Iced Earth founder and guitarist Jon Schaffer has said he has not ruled out making new music with former singer Matt Barlow, though he stressed any reunion would depend entirely on being genuinely inspired rather than on reviving the band for commercial reasons. Speaking to Spain's Metal DJ Phoenix, Schaffer explained that Iced Earth effectively disbanded after his arrest over involvement in the 6 January 2021 US Capitol riot, and that while reforming the band would be logistically easy, he has no interest in simply touring old material or cashing in on nostalgia.

Schaffer said he "hates the music business" and views Iced Earth as a self-made "cage" he is wary of re-entering unless new songs feel truly inspired, adding that some Iced Earth song parts already exist but he is unsure if or when he will develop them. He confirmed there are no plans to perform 1996's "The Dark Saga" in full for its 30th anniversary, and that his current focus is his side project Sons of Liberty, following the recent release of "Sons Of Liberty – Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2)". He said fans and former members will have to wait, insisting any future Iced Earth work will happen organically and not under pressure from fans, management or labels.