In a new interview with Ed Hackimer of This Day In Metal, former ICED EARTH singer Matt Barlow was asked about the possibility of working again with ICED EARTH founder Jon Schaffer.

Barlow has previously served two stints with the band from 1993 to 2003 and from 2007 to 2011.

When asked if he thinks ICED EARTH will reform, Matt said: "I don't know, man.

I really don't wanna push Jon into something.

At the end of the day, ICED EARTH is Jon's, and any project that Jon does is gonna be up to him." He also discussed his career as a police lieutenant in Georgetown, Delaware, saying he's been doing it for 22 years now and has found great fulfillment in both his law enforcement work and music.

Barlow and fellow ex-ICED EARTH member Freddie Vidales have formed the band ASHES OF ARES, which will celebrate the 30th anniversary of ICED EARTH's third album, "The Dark Saga", on a European tour in September/October 2025.

Vidales played with ICED EARTH from 2008 to 2012 and is featured on the band's 2011 album "Dystopia".

ASHES OF ARES released its fourth studio album, titled "New Messiahs", in Europe in July 2025 and in North America in August 2025 via ROAR!.

ICED EARTH played its final show with Barlow at the 2011 edition of the Wacken Open Air festival in Wacken, Germany.

Barlow, who is married to Schaffer's sister, announced his departure from ICED EARTH in March 2011.

In a heartfelt statement, he cited his commitment to his family and the need for ICED EARTH to tour more as the reasons for his retirement; however, he committed to performing with ICED EARTH on all 2011 European festival dates, including Wacken Open Air.

Barlow reunited with Schaffer to celebrate the holiday season with an EP called "Winter Nights" released under the SCHAFFER/BARLOW PROJECT banner in late 2020.

The effort contained the duo's unique spin on five Christmas classics and two ICED EARTH songs.

In April 2025, Schaffer said in an interview that the legal issues and professional setback he faced as a result of his involvement in the Capitol riot have been "the biggest gift" of his life, in part because "it is what led" him "to [Jesus] Christ.