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Stu Block

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Stu Block
Birth nameStuart Block
Also known asStuie B,[1] Stucifer[1]
Born (1977-11-26) November 26, 1977 (age 47)
GenresProgressive death metal, melodic death metal, heavy metal, power metal, thrash metal, progressive metal, neo-classical metal
Occupation(s)Musician, singer-songwriter
InstrumentVocals
LabelsCentury Media

Stuart "Stu" Block (born November 26, 1977)[2] is a Canadian singer-songwriter, who was the frontman for Canadian progressive death metal band Into Eternity, and is now the lead vocalist for American heavy metal band Iced Earth. Before joining Into Eternity in 2005, Block began his musical career singing for various bands in Vancouver, Canada. After two albums with Into Eternity, Block joined Iced Earth in 2011, with whom he released the album Dystopia the same year.

Career

Early career and Into Eternity

Block began his musical career in 1998, singing for various metal and rock acts around Vancouver.[1] Prior to joining Into Eternity, Block was the singer for the band Omega Crom, among others.[3] In 2005, he joined Into Eternity and the following year, the band released their first album with him, The Scattering of Ashes.[1] Block received high praise for his performance, with Eduardo Rivadavia of Allmusic calling him "one of the finest metal voices of his generation".[4] Block's second album with Into Eternity, The Incurable Tragedy, was released in 2008.[5] In 2011 and 2012, respectively, the band released the singles "Sandstorm" and "Fukushima".[6][7] Also in late 2012, Block began demoing new material with Into Eternity and their new touring vocalist Amanda Kiernan.[8]

Iced Earth

In March 2011, it was announced that Block had been chosen as the new lead singer for Iced Earth.[9] Prior to releasing Block's first album with the group, Iced Earth released a re-recording of their 1995 song "Dante's Inferno" as a free download on their website.[10] Dystopia, Block's first album with Iced Earth, was released on October 18, 2011.[11] The album garnered positive reviews, with some calling it one of Iced Earth's best albums.[12][13] Block also received praise for his performance.[13][14][15] The band released its next Live CD/DVD on April 15, 2013, Live in Ancient Kourion. The album was recorded August 19, 2012 at the 6,000-year-old Kourion Theater in Cyprus during the bands Dystopia World Tour.[16]

Iced Earth began writing new material for their eleventh studio album in early 2013. The title was later confirmed as Plagues of Babylon, and the album was released in January 2014.[17] Block's second album with the band received mostly positive reviews overall from music critics. In January 2014, the album reached position #5 on the German Media Control Charts. This is Iced Earth's highest chart position in their entire career.[18][19] The band also reached #34 on the Ultratop Charts in Belgium.[20] Meanwhile, in the US, the album sold approximately 6,300 copies in its first week to debut at #49 on the Billboard 200.[21]

Following a period of inactivity, Iced Earth has started writing for their 12th Studio Album tentatively titled "The Judas Goat," with an expected release date and subsequent touring cycle in early 2016.[22]

Singing style

Block is a self-described "hybrid vocalist", meaning that he utilizes vocal styles from many different genres of metal.[1] Block has listed Bruce Dickinson, Rob Halford, Daniel Heiman, Tim Roth, Matt Barlow, Tim Owens, Devin Townsend, Jari Mäenpää, George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher, Russell Allen and Jørn Lande as his influences as a singer.[1]

Personal life

Block's mother was battling cancer when he joined Iced Earth.[23] The song "End of Innocence", from Iced Earth's Dystopia, was written for her by Block.[23] His mother died on August 23, 2013.[24]

Discography

Into Eternity

Iced Earth

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Iced Earth: Stu Block". icedearth.com. Retrieved 2012-04-27.
  2. ^ "Stu Block interviewed by Metal Attack MTL". YouTube. Retrieved 2012-04-27.
  3. ^ "Stu Block interviewed by Metaleater". metaleater.com. Retrieved 2012-04-27.
  4. ^ "The Scattering of Ashes - Review". allmusic.com. Retrieved 2012-04-27.
  5. ^ "Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Incurable Tragedy". Encyclopaedia Metallum. Retrieved 2012-04-27.
  6. ^ "'"Sandstorm" single released.'". Intoeternity.net. Retrieved 2012-05-17.
  7. ^ "'"Fukushima" single released.'". Intoeternity.net. Retrieved 2012-05-17.
  8. ^ ""Into Eternity Continues Demoing New Material, Plays Album Fundraising Show"". blabbermouth.net. 2012-11-19. Retrieved 2012-11-20.
  9. ^ "Iced Earth Leader Chooses New Vocalist, Announces European Leg Of Massive World Tour | The Official Iced Earth Website". Icedearth.com. March 16, 2011. Retrieved 2012-04-27.
  10. ^ "Iced Earth re-record "Dante's Inferno" and give it away for free | The Official Iced Earth Website". Icedearth.com. 2011-09-05. Retrieved 2012-04-27.
  11. ^ "Iced Earth reveal cover art and release dates". Icedearth.com. Retrieved 2012-04-27.
  12. ^ "Dystopia review". Imperiumi.net. Retrieved 2012-04-27.
  13. ^ a b "Dystopia review". Hallowed.se. Retrieved 2012-04-27.
  14. ^ "Dystopia review". Metal Army America. Retrieved 2012-04-27.
  15. ^ "Dystopia review". Ultimate Guitar. Retrieved 2012-04-27.
  16. ^ Heaney, G. "Live in Ancient Kourion AllMusic". allmusic.com.
  17. ^ "ICED EARTH: 'Plagues Of Babylon' Release Date Confirmed, North American Tour Announced". BlabberMouth. Retrieved 2014-02-24.
  18. ^ Fayyazi, Mohsen. "ICED EARTH: Highest Chart Entry Of Band's Entire Career: #5 On German Media Control Charts". metalshockfinland.com. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
  19. ^ "Iced Earth, Plagues Of Babylon". German Media Control Charts. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
  20. ^ "Iced Earth - Plagues Of Babylon". Ultratop.be. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  21. ^ "ICED EARTH's 'Plagues Of Babylon' Cracks U.S. Top 50". Retrieved 30 January 2014.
  22. ^ Schaffer, Jon. "Update from Iced Earth - 7th April 2015". Retrieved 15 April 2015.
  23. ^ a b "Stu Block interviewed by "Heavy Metal Thunder."". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved 2012-04-27.
  24. ^ Stu Block's Facebook Page
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