Jon Schaffer, the founder and chief songwriter behind Iced Earth, Demons & Wizards and Sons Of Liberty, says he’s picked up a guitar for the first time in years and feels pulled toward writing another Sons Of Liberty album. Speaking with Mexico’s “Metalópolis” podcast, Schaffer was asked whether Sons Of Liberty is strictly a studio venture or something he intends to take on tour, and his answer opened a window into where his head is at right now.
“Yeah, it is a project. In a way it’s a solo project, but not really, because there’s a lot of different people that have contributed to it. So [newly added Sons Of Liberty guitarist] Matt O’Rourke will be on the next studio album,” he said (as transcribed by Blabbermouth).
He went on to describe getting back into the creative process, and made clear that a new chapter of the project is weighing on him:
“I just started playing guitar a few weeks ago for the first time in years. [Matt‘s] got some great musical arrangement ideas, and mine are starting to happen, so I think we’re gonna do something cool. But who else performs on it, on a record, I don’t know. And as far as touring goes, we don’t have any plans. We may. It just depends on what opportunities arise, but that’s not really the goal with this. I’m certain that there’s gonna be more Iced Earth off in the future, but I don’t know right now 100% because, like I said, I’m just now starting to come out of this nightmare and starting to play. And my soul is telling me I need to do another Sons Of Liberty chapter, another record that will show where my head and where my soul’s at now, and then we’ll see what comes later. But there’s no immediate plan. I mean, we’ve had a couple offers, but there’s no immediate plans to take it on the road. We’ll see. Maybe. Maybe it will.”
The comments arrive alongside Schaffer‘s reworked Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2), which merges his 2009 LP Brush-fires Of The Mind and 2011 EP Spirit Of The Times into a single remixed statement, with newly recorded live drums from longtime collaborator Mark Prator. The collection is out now across streaming platforms, and a physical rollout follows via The Circle Music on July 4, 2026 — a date chosen to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration Of Independence. That release spans a double gatefold vinyl edition in five colors (with an ultra-limited run of 100 copies exclusive to icedearthmerch.com), a leather-box CD, a digipak CD and a cassette.
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.
For now, Schaffer isn’t committing to a timeline for either a new Sons Of Liberty record or the return of Iced Earth, but he’s making it clear the creative spark has come back.
