CD Jacket Artwork:

Iced Earth's "The Glorious Burden"

In the summer of 2003 I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to contribute artwork for the 9th studio release from my favorite band, Iced Earth. It was also an honor to work with two very prominent artists, Leo Hao and Travis Smith on this project. My sincere thanks to Jon Schaffer of Iced Earth for having the confidence in me to create the CD art that is featured with the lyrics and liner notes to Jon's masterwork, "Gettysburg, 1863."

On July 3, 2003, I made a trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to celebrate the 140th anniversary of "Pickett's Charge" and take photographs for the CD jacket. The biggest thrill of the trip was to be at the Copse of Trees 140 years to the date, to the hour, to the minute where the fate of my nation held in the balance. This moment is known historically as, "The High Water Mark." It is also the title of the third song of the "Gettysburg, 1863" triology.

The photographs I took were collaged with historical photos of Civil War legends who played critical roles at Gettysburg including, Chamberlain, Pickett, Longstreet, Lee, and Armistead. The digital files were then sent to Travis who then took the lyrics and Leo's art and combined them to create an incredibly colorful limited edition slipcase book version of, "The Glorious Burden."

If you ever get the chance to visit Gettysburg, it will be a trip you won't soon forget. To be on the very ground where 50,000 were killed or wounded in 3 days is truly a spiritual experience for those who take pride in this great country.

I highly recommend taking a guided tour given by a Licensed Battlefield Guide. You can hire a guide at the visitor's center. If your lucky, you might just land the guide I was most fortunate to have for my tour - Ted Gajewski. Many thanks to Ted for enriching my experience and making it so much more valuable than if had opted only for the auto tour.