Jon Schaffer Prepares Musical Return with Reworked Sons Of Liberty Material

Jon Schaffer’s Controversial Return to Music Announced Today

Jon Schaffer has officially announced his return to music today, revealing plans to release a reworked collection of material from his politically driven side project, Sons Of Liberty. The announcement immediately reignited debate around the longtime Iced Earth founder, whose name has remained divisive in the metal world since his legal troubles earlier in the decade.

The new release is titled Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2) and is scheduled to arrive on July 4, a date clearly chosen for its symbolic connection to themes of freedom and independence that have always defined the Sons Of Liberty project. The collection revisits and reshapes material originally released in the late 2000s and early 2010s, presenting it in newly remixed form with updated production.

According to the announcement, the songs have been sonically refreshed and now feature new live drum performances by Mark Prator, a longtime collaborator from Schaffer’s earlier work. Rather than presenting brand-new compositions, the release reframes existing material with a modern mix and tighter performances, positioning it as both a reintroduction and a statement of intent.

Schaffer also shared a personal message alongside the news, emphasizing that Sons Of Liberty was never intended as conventional entertainment. He described the project as a “wake-up call” designed to challenge listeners and provoke thought, stating openly that he is not interested in pleasing everyone. His remarks framed the music as an expression of individual liberty rather than an attempt at mass appeal.

The announcement inevitably draws attention back to Schaffer’s past. In early 2021, he was arrested for his involvement in the breach of the United States Capitol and was later revealed to have connections to the Oath Keepers. While in custody, he cooperated with investigators and entered into a legal agreement that ultimately led to a sentence of probation and a financial penalty in 2024. In 2025, he was pardoned by then-U.S. President Donald J. Trump.

Since those events, Schaffer has remained largely absent from the music scene, making today’s announcement his most significant public move in years. For supporters, the release represents an artist reclaiming his voice. For critics, it marks the return of a deeply polarizing figure whose actions continue to overshadow his musical legacy.

Whether Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2) will find an audience beyond Schaffer’s most devoted followers remains to be seen. What is certain is that his re-entry into music is already stirring strong reactions, ensuring that this release will be discussed as much for the man behind it as for the music itself.