Released in 1998, {^Something Wicked This Way Comes} offers {$Iced Earth} virtually replicating their previous effort {^The Dark Saga}, but with somewhat less inspired results. {&"Burning Times,"} {&"Stand Alone,"} and {&"My Own Savior"} are fine slabs of the classic metal / thrash metal combination the band has become known for, but they lack the spark of yesteryear. {&"1776"} is a humdrum instrumental in the {$Iron Maiden} mold, and while {&"Watching Over Me"} and {&"Consequences"} show the band breaking new melodic ground, {&"Disciples of the Lie"} and {&"Blessed Are You"} are two of the few truly memorable songs. Perhaps time limits are the real problem, as the band seems most at home during the extended compositions comprising the {&"Something Wicked"} trilogy which closes the album. ~ Ed Rivadavia, All Music Guide