Published: June 18, 2026
The Iced Earth founder revisits a track inspired by King Leonidas and the Battle of Thermopylae as physical editions of 'Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2)' arrive through The Circle Music
Jon Schaffer's Sons Of Liberty have released a new music video for "Molon Labe", a track taken from the upcoming physical edition of "Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2)".
The collection is currently available on digital platforms, with physical formats scheduled for release on July 4, 2026 through The Circle Music.
The release follows the previous video for "Full Spectrum Dominance", making "Molon Labe" the second video issued from the new collection.
According to Jon Schaffer, "Molon Labe" was written and recorded in 2011 and was inspired by King Leonidas and the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC.
Schaffer stated that the song is dedicated to Leonidas and the 300 Spartans, whose actions have historically been associated with resistance against a larger opposing force.
The title "Molon Labe" is commonly translated as "Come and Take It" or "Come and Take Them", a phrase connected to the Spartan response at Thermopylae.
"Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2)" brings together material from Jon Schaffer's Sons Of Liberty in a reworked form.
According to the release information, the original recordings were created with programmed drums. For this new edition, drums were newly recorded by Mark Prator, who has previously worked with Iced Earth, Demons & Wizards, and Jon Schaffer's Purgatory.
The collection was mixed by Jim Morris.
FORMATS
Double Gatefold Vinyl Edition
Limited-Edition Leather Box CD
Digipak CD
Cassette
A first exclusive vinyl edition limited to 100 copies sold out through icedearthmerch.com.
Following that sellout, a second exclusive Glow In The Dark Vinyl edition, limited to 100 copies and signed by Jon Schaffer, was added.
Jon Schaffer's Sons Of Liberty is one of several projects associated with Jon Schaffer, best known as the founder and primary songwriter of Iced Earth.
Schaffer's other projects include Demons & Wizards, Jon Schaffer's Purgatory, and the Schaffer/Barlow Project.
The Sons Of Liberty material has been presented by Schaffer as a project centered on themes of individual liberty, political authority, and resistance to institutional power.
The release of "Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2)" gives the Sons Of Liberty material a new physical edition with updated drums and a modern mix.
For collectors, the July 2026 rollout through The Circle Music places the project back into circulation through vinyl, CD, cassette, and limited-edition configurations.
The "Molon Labe" video adds another visual component to the "Thought Crimes (Volumes 1 & 2)" campaign, connecting the song's historical reference to the broader themes that have defined Jon Schaffer's Sons Of Liberty. The physical editions are scheduled for release on July 4, 2026 through The Circle Music.
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
Watch the official music video for "Molon Labe" below.
