Happy birthday to ICED EARTH/ASHES OF ARES singer Matt Barlow!

Matthew Barlow born March 10, 1970.

According to Metal Archives, the legendary singer was born on March 10, 1970. I know his work best from his singing with Iced Earth, from 1993 to 2003 and from 2007 to 2011. During his time with the band, he sang on classic albums like Burnt Offerings, The Dark Saga, and Something Wicked This Way Comes. He sang on Horror Show, Tribute to the Gods, and The Crucible of Man, and really, a whole bunch of other albums. According to Metal Archives, since 2012, he has been the singer for Ashes of Ares. They have several full-length, including their self-titled debut, Well of Souls, and Emperors and Fools. Most recently, in 2025, they have the new album New Messiahs.

According to Wikipedia, Matt Barlow joined Iced Earth as a replacement for John Greely following the Night of the Stormrider tour in Europe. His recording debut with the band was the 1995 album Burnt Offerings. Barlow eventually left the group in 2003 due to personal reflections following the September 11 terrorist attacks. He decided he wanted to contribute to the "real world" rather than living the life of a "rock star." Following his departure, Barlow became a police officer in Georgetown, Delaware. He also performed with the First State Force Band, a group of law enforcement members who played for schools to promote positive values. In 2007, he briefly returned to the metal scene with the Danish band Pyramaze because the project allowed him to keep his police career while recording music. By late 2007, Barlow officially rejoined Iced Earth and sang on the album The Crucible of Man. He stayed with the band until 2011, when he retired from the group a second time to focus on his family. His farewell performance took place at the Wacken Open Air festival. In 2012, he formed Ashes of Ares with former members of Iced Earth and Nevermore. He has since been involved in several other projects, including We Are Sentinels and the Schaffer/Barlow Project, the latter of which released a Christmas EP titled Winter Nights in 2020.

ASHES OF ARES - This Is My Hell (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

Iced Earth - 3 Songs - Live at Wacken Open Air 2011