Disc 2 is one long song that tells the story of the battle of Gettysburg. Beyond the roaring guitars, ripping vocals and historical story telling lyrics is some true art. In this three-part opus Schaffer has taken great pains to score melodies symbolizing both the North (When Johnny Comes Marching Home) and the South (Dixie). The pieces are played in the background letting you know which way the battle is swaying at various points in the music, until the two come together, playing simultaneously in the final bloody clash. With close attention paid to every detail from the packaging to the production, The Glorious Burden is undoubtedly Iced Earth’s best work. Disc 1.