Released on July 23, 1996,[2] it was the band's first album to feature drummer Mark Prator, as well as the last with bassist Dave Abell and lead guitarist Randall Shawver.

[1] According to rhythm guitarist Jon Schaffer, the shift in musical style was due to a much more positive feeling going into the writing, as opposed to the band's previous album Burnt Offerings.

[4] Schaffer has stated that Burnt Offerings was not his intended musical direction, which is why The Dark Saga is much more keen on melody and vocals.

[4] The Dark Saga was the last Iced Earth album to feature longtime bassist Dave Abell, who left the group after finishing recording.

[1] The cover art of The Dark Saga depicts comic book artist Todd McFarlane's character Spawn (on whom the entire album is based).

[4] Todd McFarlane was also satisfied with the album,[8] although Iced Earth's music didn't end-up in the Spawn film, nor the animated series.

[3][11] Sephiroth, of Metal Storm, called The Dark Saga "a great album that has to be listened to entirely in order to grasp the harmonic line which gives it unity".