Off the topic, but I just felt like mentioning that I also can't stand it when people bash Ripper, and praise Barlow. Ripper is a far more versatile vocalist than Barlow ever was, and his range completely wipes the floor with him. Ripper can hit lower notes, and higher falsetto notes, and with much greater ease. Not to mention that Barlow's falsetto was pretty crappy, and he lost a lot of power  and stamina whenever he hit higher notes. He also couldn't really pull off the more aggressive vocals all that well. He is best suited for the more ballad, and less aggressive songs.

Ripper also does show quite a bit of emotion in his voice, but only when the song calls for it. Like with When The Eagle Cries, or with the Gettysburg Trilogy. If a song is meant to be more aggressive, of course his voice will not be dripping with emotion.

I'm not going to say that he's necessarily my favorite vocalist for Iced Earth, but he is the best that the band has had. Personally, my favorite IE vocalist was Gene Adams.

Don't get me wrong though, Barlow is a very good vocalist. It's just that Owens is far superior

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