Former ICED EARTH frontman Matt Barlow says he has yet to broach the subject of working together again with the band's founder, guitarist Jon Schaffer. Speaking with Ed Hackimer of the "This Day In Metal" podcast, Barlow — who fronted ICED EARTH from 1993 to 2003 and again from 2007 to 2011 — said any creative decisions about the group ultimately belong to Schaffer.
Barlow noted that Schaffer is currently focused on his other band, SONS OF LIBERTY, and the re-recorded "Thought Crimes" material that reworks earlier releases. "I'm anxious to talk to him about how it's going as far as the sales and all that stuff and any future plans," Barlow said. He declined to pressure Schaffer into reviving ICED EARTH, stressing that the band is Schaffer's to steer.
The singer also addressed Schaffer's legal situation stemming from his involvement in the January 6, 2021 events at the U.S. Capitol, for which the guitarist received probation and community service before being pardoned. Barlow acknowledged public disappointment but voiced hope for a second act: "I think the outcome, if Jon is able to come back into the musical realm, ultimately will be something — a very, very, very positive thing."
Barlow has stayed busy in the meantime. His band ASHES OF ARES — which features former ICED EARTH bassist Freddie Vidales — released the album "New Messiahs" in 2025 and announced a European tour marking the 30th anniversary of ICED EARTH's "The Dark Saga." Barlow confirmed he received Schaffer's blessing to perform the 1996 classic in full, albeit with restrictions on ICED EARTH branding.
A police lieutenant in Georgetown, Delaware since 2003, Barlow has long balanced law enforcement with music, a choice he says allowed him to raise a family while continuing to record and perform. His final ICED EARTH appearance came at Wacken Open Air in 2011. He and Schaffer last collaborated on the 2020 holiday EP "Winter Nights," released under the SCHAFFER/BARLOW PROJECT banner.