Iced Earth is set to release two EPs in April called “Hellrider” and “I Walk Among You”. The guitarist, band leader, and only original band member, Jon Schaffer, is one of the founding members of “The Oath Keepers” militia and was involved in the January 6th, 2021 Capitol Riots. His picture was posted on the FBI’s most-wanted site after the attacks and he turned himself in on January 17th. After initially being held for six felony charges, he pleaded guilty to obstructing an official proceeding of Congress and trespassing on restricted grounds of the Capitol while armed with a dangerous weapon. Schaffer was the first person from the riots to plead guilty and prosecutors recommended a prison term of 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 years, which could vary with his cooperation in helping to prosecute other rioters. He is believed to be a member of the Federal Witness Protection Program, as prosecutors granted him a sponsorship in the program.
Iced Earth has released 12 full-length albums, 4 EPs, 3 box sets, and 3 live albums since their inception in 1990.
So the big question is…Does Schafer’s involvement in the Capital riot affect your opinion of him, and will you buy music or support Iced Earth in the future?
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