"I am very much looking forward to the next leg of the North American 'Crucible'," says Schaffer. "We have been working pretty much non-stop since May, and there's no better way to end the year than with a healthy dose of METAL! Meeting the Minions [referring to Iced Earth's fan club, 'The Minions of the Wicked'] before and after the shows has been a great experience. I started this band as a vehicle for my songs, and the fans that truly 'get' Iced Earth - and the way of life that surrounds it - are the reason I am still out there. The energy between the band and the fans is something that is very dear to my heart."

Support on all these forthcoming dates will come from Early Man. And due to the overwhelming success of the initial 'CHILD OF THE WICKED' VIP packages, Iced Earth have decided to give their fans the chance to get close to the band again, by offering VIP packages (which are already on sale) for all the shows listed below. "There will be some surprises in 2009," hints Schaffer. "We will announce more worldwide touring shortly, and I am already hard at work on the next chapter. No rest for the wicked!"

Additionally, tune in at 5 P.M (Pacific Standard Time) this coming Monday, November 10th when Iced Earth band member Jon Schaffer phones into the KNAC.COM studio to speak with Junkman.