Having only been familiar with Demons & Wizards (the side-project of Iced Earth's Jon Schaffer and Blind Guardian's Hansi Kursch - a project which I absolutely love) I figured it was high time to check out Schaffer's prime band. I could not have been more disappointed. If The Blessed and the Damned is Iced Earth's "Best Of", I will definately not be wasting my time checking out their other cds. This may sound harsh, but I had high expectations after listening to Demons & Wizards. Schaffer, hook back up with Hansi and make a third D&W cd. Please!