The only remaining founding member of heavy metal act Iced Earth, guitarist, keyboard player and main songwriter Jon Schaffer has also led a storied career outside the band.
With Demons & Wizards, Jon Schaffer’s Purgatory and Schaffer/Barlow Project to one side, it’s Sons Of Liberty he’s returning to right now, reimagining what’s been called his “most unflinching work.” Jon Schaffer‘s Sons of Liberty ‘Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2)’ fuses the raw essence of 2009 album ‘Brush-fires Of The Mind’ with 2011’s eerily prophetic ‘Spirit Of The Times’ EP.
“Sons Of Liberty was always meant to be more than music; it was a wake-up call and an attempt to start brushfires of freedom in the minds of those with ears to hear,” said Schaffer. “Those who know me, know that I am not here to please everyone; not with my music, nor with my ideals and principles. I respect the rights of others to disagree, and to speak freely. I will stand up for their rights, especially if I strongly disagree with them. This is the cornerstone of liberty. It’s not so impressive to stand up for the people that share your beliefs and agree with you. Are you into freedom enough to allow others to live as they choose, as long as they don’t aggress? This is a legitimate question that we all should reflect on.”
“My wish with the first SOL album in 2009 was to inspire the people to inform themselves. When these songs were first released, I wanted to expose the financial and political systems that prosper through aggression and subjugate our personal freedom. 17 years later the message has only become more relevant, and the situation more urgent.”
Originally crafted with programmed drums to minimise costs, as the recordings weren’t designed to make money but as a gift to the world to be copied, shared and amplified freely, this new version features newly recorded drums from Schaffer’s longtime friend Mark Prator, who has similarly played with Iced Earth and other Schaffer-related acts. It has also been remixed by Jim Morris.
“Adding Mark Prator’s drums and Jim Morris’ new mix finally gives these tracks the sonic power they deserve. They both absolutely crushed it. It doesn’t sound like a demo any more. The artwork is a huge step up from the originals as well. Back in ’09 I had no vision for what the Brushfires cover would look like. It was the first and only time in my career that has happened. However, this time it came to me, and I believe it’s one of the best covers in my entire catalogue. Roy Young and David Newman Stump did a fantastic job,” Schaffer continued.
“The system has tried to silence and cancel this music because it speaks uncomfortable truths, but you cannot cancel the spirit of liberty. Not yet. The aggressors are working hard to destroy our power of discernment, distract us, divide us, and in the end, conquer us. This collection of music is for everyone who refuses to be a spectator in the struggle for their own sovereignty. I am always learning, and I am always willing to be convinced that another point of view is a better way forward. Bring a reasonable argument, and I’m all ears. Through the years I have grown and changed my views as I learn, but my principles remain. I can’t see any other viable path to peace than through freedom. I think about these issues often, and discuss them in great depth with my friends. It is my strongly held belief that collectivism, when mandated by the state, in any form, is more dangerous to our liberties than an invading army. Trading our freedom for safety has never turned out well. Not ever.”
“In the future it is my intention to write a new chapter of Sons music focusing on what I believe to be the solution. Until then, as a great friend and mentor says… Don’t aggress. Be an excellent human. Live and let live.”
Marking the 250th anniversary of America’s signing of their Declaration of Independence on the 4th of July, limited edition vinyl, CDs and cassettes will be available through The Circle Music and available for streaming now.
