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The .

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The post PRIMAL FEAR Release Impelling New Single & Video “One”; “Domination” Tour To Continue Next Month, More Dates Announced appeared first on Metal-Rules.com.

Is Jon Schaffer Officially Back After His January 6 Conviction?

Yes — Jon Schaffer has released a newly reworked Sons Of Liberty collection titled Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2), marking his first major musical move since his Capitol riot sentencing and subsequent pardon.

TL;DR

• Jon Schaffer releases Sons Of Liberty – Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2)
• Out now digitally; physical editions arrive July 4, 2026
• Features newly recorded drums by Mark Prator and a new mix by Jim Morris
• Schaffer was sentenced in 2024 over January 6 involvement
• Later pardoned by U.S. President Donald Trump
• Former Iced Earth and Demons & Wizards collaborators distanced themselves

Jon Schaffer is not easing back into the spotlight quietly.

The founder and chief songwriter behind Iced Earth, Demons & Wizards, Sons Of Liberty, Jon Schaffer’s Purgatory and the Schaffer/Barlow project has officially returned with a reimagined version of his most politically charged material — and he’s framing it as more urgent than ever.

Sons Of Liberty – Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2) is out now on streaming platforms, combining newly remixed and remastered versions of 2009’s Brush-fires Of The Mind and 2011’s Spirit Of The Times.

The physical release lands July 4, 2026 — the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration Of Independence.

That date is not accidental.

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From Capitol Riot To Comeback

In October 2024, Schaffer was sentenced to three years of probation and 120 hours of community service for his involvement in the January 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol riot. He was also ordered to pay $1,000 in restitution and a $200 financial assessment.

He later became one of roughly 1,500 individuals pardoned by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Following the initial reports of his involvement, Iced Earth vocalist Stu Block and bassist Luke Appleton resigned. Blind Guardian’s Hansi Kürsch exited Demons & Wizards. Century Media no longer listed either band on its roster.

In April 2025, Schaffer described the ordeal as “the biggest gift” of his life.

Now, he’s channeling that chapter into music.

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“This Is Not An Echo Chamber Of Political Agendas”

Schaffer’s statement leaves no ambiguity about his intent.

He said: “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.”

He continued: “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.”

And regarding the updated sound: “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.”

Schaffer also addressed accusations of censorship: “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”

It’s a statement that reinforces exactly what this project is — and isn’t.

What Makes This Release Different?

Originally recorded with programmed drums to minimize cost, the early Sons Of Liberty releases were intended as freely shared protest music rather than commercial ventures.

Now, the material returns with:

• Newly recorded live drums by Mark Prator (The Dark Saga, Something Wicked This Way Comes, Demons & Wizards debut)
• A modern mix by Jim Morris
• Expanded artwork
• Deluxe physical editions including double gatefold vinyl in five colors, limited leather box CD, digipak CD and cassette

The messaging remains explicitly pro-freedom, anti-authoritarian and self-described as non-partisan.

But the controversy surrounding Schaffer ensures this won’t land quietly.

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CD Track Listing

1. Jekyll Island
2. Full Spectrum Dominance
3. False Flag
4. Our Dying Republic
5. Molon Labe
6. Indentured Servitude
7. Feeling Helpless?
8. Don’t Tread On Me
9. The Cleansing Wind
10. Mind Control
11. Alive
12. Tree Of Liberty
13. Spirit of the Times
14. We The People
15. Jekyll Island (Full Version)

The Bigger Question

Is this a standalone reissue?

Or the first step in rebuilding a career that many believed was permanently derailed?

One thing is certain: this is not neutral art. And it was never intended to be.

FAQ

What Is Jon Schaffer Releasing Right Now?
He has released Sons Of Liberty – Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2), a newly remixed and reworked collection combining material from Brush-fires Of The Mind (2009) and Spirit Of The Times (2011).

Is Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2) Out Now Or Coming Later?
It’s out now on streaming platforms, with a physical rollout scheduled for July 4, 2026 via The Circle Music.

What Is New About This Version Of Sons Of Liberty?
The collection features newly recorded live drums by Mark Prator and a modern mix by Jim Morris, aiming to give the material a heavier, more finished sound than the original programmed-drum versions.

What Physical Editions Are Being Released?
A double gatefold vinyl edition in five colors, a limited-edition leather box CD, a digipak CD, and a cassette. A limited run of 100 vinyl copies is exclusive to icedearthmerch.com.

Why Is Jon Schaffer Controversial?
He was arrested in early 2021 for his role in the January 6 U.S. Capitol breach, sentenced in 2024, and later pardoned in 2025 by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Did This Affect Iced Earth And Demons & Wizards?
Yes. Following reports of his involvement, Iced Earth’s Stu Block and Luke Appleton resigned, and Blind Guardian’s Hansi Kürsch exited Demons & Wizards.

Jon Schaffer Bio

Jon Schaffer is an American guitarist, songwriter, and producer best known as the founder and primary creative force behind Iced Earth. Over his career, he has also led or co-led projects including Demons & Wizards, Sons Of Liberty, Jon Schaffer’s Purgatory, and the Schaffer/Barlow project. His songwriting is associated with tight, rhythmic riffing and concept-driven heavy metal, while Sons Of Liberty has served as his most explicitly political outlet, originally released in the late 2000s and early 2010s before being revisited and reissued as Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2).

The post Jon Schaffer Breaks Silence With New Sons Of Liberty Album After Capitol Riot Fallout appeared first on Loaded Radio.

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The post SIGNS OF THE SWARM Add Headlining Dates Amid Spring Tour With LORNA SHORE appeared first on Metal Injection.