Jon Schaffer is an American musician best known as the founder, guitarist, and primary songwriter of the heavy metal band Iced Earth, formed in 1985. Schaffer's musical style blends elements of power metal, thrash metal, and progressive metal, characterized by intricate guitar work and thematic storytelling. Iced Earth gained prominence in the 1990s with albums such as "Something Wicked This Way Comes" (1998) and "Horror Show" (2001), which showcase Schaffer's penchant for narrative-driven lyrics, often inspired by history, literature, and mythology. The band's 1996 album "Burnt Offerings" is particularly noted for its complex compositions and dark themes. Schaffer's impact on music extends beyond Iced Earth; he has influenced a generation of metal musicians with his songwriting and guitar techniques. He is also known for his work on side projects, including the band Demons & Wizards, a collaboration with Blind Guardian's Hansi Kürsch. However, Schaffer's reputation has been marred by his involvement in political controversies, particularly his participation in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, which led to significant backlash against him and his music. Despite this, his contributions to heavy metal remain significant.