The official music video for the song ” Full Spectrum Dominance ” from the recently released reissue of Jon Schaffer’s most uncompromising work was released by DazVideos, according to Blabbermouth . Schaffer is the founder, main lyricist and driving force behind the legendary heavy metal bands Iced Earth, Demons & Wizards, Sons Of Liberty, Jon Schaffer’s Purgatory and the project Schaffer/Barlow .
Jon Schaffer’s “Sons Of Liberty – Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2)” is a bold new blend that combines the unadulterated spirit of the EP “Spirit Of The Times” (2011) and the LP “Brush-fires Of The Mind” (2009), giving new life to a message that has proven chillingly prophetic in an era of growing global challenges.
Sons Of Liberty has always aimed to be something more than music. It was a call to awakening and an attempt to ignite fires of freedom in the minds of those who have ears to hear. Those who know me know that I’m not here to please everyone. Not with my music, nor with my ideals and principles. I respect the right of others to disagree and speak freely. I will defend their rights, especially if I completely disagree with them. This is the cornerstone of freedom. It’s not so impressive to defend the people who share your beliefs and agree with you. Are you enough of a champion of freedom to allow others to live as they choose, as long as they don’t attack? This is a reasonable question we all must consider.
My desire with the first Sons Of Liberty album in 2009 was to inspire people to get informed. When these songs were first released, I wanted to expose the financial and political systems that thrive through aggression and subjugate our personal freedom. 17 years later, the message has become even more timely and the situation more urgent. The addition of Mark Prator’s drums and Jim Morris’ new mix finally gives these tracks the sonic power they deserve. Both of them absolutely crushed it. It no longer sounds like a demo. The artwork is also a huge step forward from the originals. In 2009 I had no vision at all of how the rework of “Brush-fires” would look. It was the first and only time in my career that happened. This time, however, it came to me and I believe it’s one of the best covers in my entire catalog. Roy Young and David Newman Stump did a fantastic job.
The system tried to silence and cancel this music because it tells uncomfortable truths, but you can’t cancel the spirit of freedom. Not yet. The attackers work hard to destroy the power of our discernment, to distract us, to divide us and, in the end, to subjugate us. This collection of music is for all those who refuse to be spectators in the struggle for their own sovereignty. I am constantly learning and am always willing to be convinced that another view is a better way forward. Bring a reasoned argument and I’m on alert. Over the years I have grown and changed my views as I learn, but my principles remain. I can see no other viable road to peace than through freedom. I often think about these issues and discuss them in depth with my friends. It is my firm conviction that collectivism, when imposed by the state, in any form, is more dangerous to our liberties than an invading army. Trading our freedom for “security” has never paid off well. Never.
“Going forward, my intention is to write a new chapter in the Sons’ music, focusing on what I believe is the solution. Until then, as a great friend and mentor says… Don’t attack. Be an excellent person. Live and let live. Peace.” Jon
