Former Iced Earth guitarist Jon Schaffer is mounting his musical comeback with a reimagined collection of songs from his politically-oriented Sons Of Liberty project. Dubbed “Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2)“, this revamped set features newly re-mixed versions of songs from that project’s past output, along with updated live drumming from Mark Prator (ex-Iced Earth, etc.) The Circle Music will be releasing this collection on a politically-charged date: July 04th.
Schaffer spoke of the project getting revamped below, while also indicating he intends to issue more new music from the project:
“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 SOL 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’ new mix finally gives these tracks the sonic power they deserve. They both absolutely crushed it. It doesn’t sound like a demo any more. The artwork is a huge step up from the originals as well. Back in ‘09 I had no vision for what the Brushfires 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“
A press release further stated:
‘What sets Sons of Liberty – Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2) apart is its transcendence of partisan divides. This is not an echo chamber of political agendas; it’s a universal wake-up call, championing freedom as the bedrock of peace and prosperity for every person on the planet. In a world fractured by division, Schaffer‘s lyrics rally for pro-freedom/pro-humanity ideals: anti-authoritarian, non-partisan, and rooted in the unyielding principles of liberty.
It’s a reminder that true empowerment comes from questioning and resisting systems that promote aggression and erode our shared dignity, fostering unity through principles of liberty, individual sovereignty, and collective resilience.’
Schaffer was arrested in early 2021 for his involvement in breaching the U.S. Capitol during the January 06th, 2021 riot. He initially faced 6 charges, including:
- 1) Knowingly Entering or Remaining in any Restricted Building or Grounds Without Lawful Authority
- 2) Disrupting the Orderly Conduct of Government Business
- 3) Knowingly Engaging in an Act of Physical Violence Against any Person or Property in any Restricted Building or Grounds
- 4) Violent Entry and Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building
- 5) Engaging in an Act of Physical Violence in a Capitol Building
- 6) Parading, Demonstrating, or Picketing in a Capitol Building
He had been identified by authorities as having ties to the far-right militia group the Oath Keepers at the time, and became a cooperative informant while in custody, being offered a deal for providing information to the authorities.
In light of his assistance, he was sentenced to three years probation and to pay a fine of $2,200 in October of 2024. However, he was pardoned in U.S. President Donald J. Trump in 2025. While Schaffer‘s political beliefs had become inherently radicalized leading up to the January 06th riot, he has since embraced Christianity.
