Matt Barlow
| Matthew Barlow | |
|---|---|
Matt Barlow in 2010.
|
|
| Background information | |
| Born |
March 10, 1970 Biloxi, Mississippi |
| Genres | Heavy metal, power metal, thrash metal, progressive metal, speed metal |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter, police officer |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1988–2003, 2007–2011, 2012–present |
| Associated acts | Iced Earth, Pyramaze, The First State Force Band, Cauldron, Ashes Of Ares |
Matthew Barlow (born March 10, 1970 in Biloxi, Mississippi, US) is an American heavy metal singer and police officer. He is the lead singer for Ashes of Ares and former of Iced Earth and Pyramaze. He is Jon Schaffer's brother-in-law.
Barlow joined Iced Earth after the Night of the Stormrider tour with Blind Guardian in Europe, as a replacement for John Greely. The first album Barlow can be heard on is Burnt Offerings (1995). Barlow left the band in 2003, much to the chagrin of many fans. His reason for leaving was due to personal beliefs related to the September 11 terrorist attacks. He took a look at his life and realized that he wanted to contribute to the "real world" instead of living the illusion of a "rock star." He approached Jon Schaffer with this in late 2002, but Schaffer, known for his persuasive personality, convinced Barlow to stay with the band. When the band recorded The Glorious Burden, Schaffer decided that Barlow's vocals were not what he desired them to be; he believed they lacked the passion and quality that Barlow was known for. He decided to let Barlow go after all and hired Tim Owens, former lead singer of Judas Priest.
Barlow became a police officer in the police department in Georgetown, Delaware. He was also a vocalist for the First State Force Band, which is made up of law enforcement members from different departments throughout Delaware. The band performs for schools, aiming to promote positive values through music.
On April 13, 2007, Barlow returned to music more fully as the new lead singer of Danish progressive power metal band Pyramaze. Barlow accepted the offer to join Pyramaze because it would allow him to return to the music scene, while still being able maintain his current job.
...
Wikipedia