Jon Schaffer has put out a video for “Jekyll Island“, the third clip from Sons Of Liberty – Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2), following “Full Spectrum Dominance” and “Molon Labe“.
The release is a reworking of material the Iced Earth founder first issued under the Sons Of Liberty name: the 2009 album Brush-fires Of The Mind and the 2011 EP Spirit Of The Times, combined and rebuilt. Both were originally recorded with programmed drums to keep costs down and were distributed free.
Schaffer explained where “Jekyll Island” came from.
“‘Jekyll Island‘ is based on the must-read book by G. Edward Griffin ‘The Creature From Jekyll Island‘.”
“If we want to make positive change in the world, it’s important to understand the nature of the monetary system that we live under. This book is a great place to start your journey of understanding.”
“It was obvious to me in 2009 when I wrote this song that it had the right energy to open the record.”
Griffin‘s book, published in 1994, is an account of the founding and operation of the US Federal Reserve. Its central claims have been disputed by economists and historians.
Earlier in June, Schaffer debuted a new music video for the track “Molon Labe“. Created by DazVideos, the visual accompanies the newly reimagined version of the song.
Lyrically, the Sons Of Liberty catalog focuses heavily on non-partisan, anti-authoritarian themes, criticizing global banking structures and governmental overreach while advocating for individual sovereignty. Earlier this year Schaffer shared a comprehensive breakdown of the project’s core philosophy:
“Sons of Liberty was always meant to be more than music; it was a wake-up call and an attempt to start brushfires of freedom in the minds of those with ears to hear.”
“Those who know me know that I am not here to please everyone; not with my music, nor with my ideals and principles. I respect the rights of others to disagree, and to speak freely. I will stand up for their rights, especially if I strongly disagree with them. This is the cornerstone of liberty. It’s not so impressive to stand up for the people that share your beliefs and agree with you. Are you into freedom enough to allow others to live as they choose, as long as they don’t aggress? This is a legitimate question that we all should reflect on.”
“My wish with the first Sons of Liberty album in 2009 was to inspire the people to inform themselves. When these songs were first released, I wanted to expose the financial and political systems that prosper through aggression and subjugate our personal freedom. 17 years later the message has only become more relevant, and the situation more urgent.”
“Adding Mark Prator‘s drums and Jim Morris‘s new mix finally gives these tracks the sonic power they deserve. They both absolutely crushed it. It doesn’t sound like a demo anymore. The artwork is a huge step up from the originals as well. Back in ’09 I had no vision for what the Brush-fires cover would look like. It was the first and only time in my career that has happened. However, this time 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 has tried to silence and cancel this music because it speaks uncomfortable truths, but you cannot cancel the spirit of liberty. Not yet. The aggressors are working hard to destroy our power of discernment, distract us, divide us, and in the end, conquer us. This collection of music is for everyone who refuses to be a spectator in the struggle for their own sovereignty.”
“I am always learning, and I am always willing to be convinced that another point of view is a better way forward. Bring a reasonable argument, and I’m all ears. Through the years I have grown, and changed my views as I learn, but my principles remain. I can’t see any other viable path to peace than through freedom. I think about these issues often and discuss them in great depth with my friends. It is my strongly held belief that collectivism, when mandated by the state, in any form, is more dangerous to our liberties than an invading army. Trading our freedom for ‘safety’ has never turned out well. Not ever.”
“In the future, it is my intention to write a new chapter of Sons music focusing on what I believe to be the solution. Until then, as a great friend and mentor says… Don’t aggress. Be an excellent human. Live and let live.”
“Peace. Jon“
The “nightmare” Schaffer referenced earlier in the text is his legal ordeal stemming from the January 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol riot. He pleaded guilty in 2021 to two federal charges connected to the breach and, in October 2024, was sentenced to three years of probation, 120 hours of community service and restitution; he was later among those pardoned by President Donald Trump in 2025. In the wake of his arrest, several associates distanced themselves from him — Iced Earth members Stu Block and Luke Appleton resigned, while Blind Guardian‘s Hansi Kürsch exited Demons & Wizards. At the time of his sentencing, Schaffer issued a statement saying he “profoundly regret[s]” his actions that day.
The release came on double gatefold vinyl in five colours, a limited leather box CD, a digipak CD and cassette. Most formats have sold out through icedearthmerch.com, with some stock remaining through The Circle Music.
CD track listing:
- “Jekyll Island”
- “Full Spectrum Dominance”
- “False Flag”
- “Our Dying Republic”
- “Molon Labe”
- “Indentured Servitude”
- “Feeling Helpless?”
- “Don’t Tread On Me”
- “The Cleansing Wind”
- “Mind Control”
- “Alive”
- “Tree Of Liberty”
- “Spirit Of The Times”
- “We The People”
- “Jekyll Island (Full Version)”
The vinyl runs to four sides, with the fourth given over to demo versions of “Jekyll Island“, “Don’t Tread On Me“, “False Flag“, “Our Dying Republic” and “Indentured Servitude“.
