Uriah Heep - Into The Wild

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For a very long time I have been seeing URIAH HEEP as band that was in a constant battle to get the recognition they deserve. As a band that came from a place and time where Rock music got heavier as time passed and bands like DEEP PURPLE, LED ZEPPELIN, BLACK SABBATH and even the rather "younger" MARRILLION that came out marching, it was, and in a way, still is a goal to achieve. After more than four decades the picture has changed quite a bit as BLACK SABBATH and ZEPPELIN are no longer and DEEP PURPLE and MARRILION are probably on their way to the freezer, while URIAH HEEP are still moving forward.

Three years since their last album, "Wake The Sleeper", which can be characterised as their comeback album, the Brits are out there again with "Into The Wild". Still strong, melodic, harmonic and with a sense of class, it seems that there will be no rest of this group, as an expected tour is coming to support this new juggernaut. So from my reaction and admiration you can probably assume that I liked the album, well if you hold that thought you will see that you are right.

I think that "Into The Wild", although it didn't cross any line, is one of URIAH HEEP's greatest outputs since the 80s. What I mostly admire about them is that they didn't surrender to what is going on today and kept on delivering the goods of what is rightfully their calling. 70's style melodic Hard Rock is the name of the game while the smooth melodies and touching harmonies are the ultimate means of creation and lest I forget the long time experience of the performing members. If you truly want to know where Heavy Metal's roots lay, this is the place and this is the album.

Of course this album can't be compared to some of the prime release of their early days of the 70s and 80s, and it is not because of David Byron (R.I.P.) or the emergence of the amazing Bernie Shaw or the differences between them, but still it is almost the same crew of the 80s and believe me that they have a lot to give. I was mostly impressed by their rather 70s oriented Hard Rock features in songs such as "Southern Star"and "Believe". However, I also found their power in "I Can See You"and the emotional ending of "Kiss Of Freedom". Nevertheless, I wouldn't let the others off because throughout the album you can find equally great as the latter songs.

As Shaw keeps on touching the listener's soul with hard British vocals, Box molesting his guitar with bursts of solos, Bolder hitting hard on the bass, Lanzon fills the air with a 70s spirit and the rather new Gilbrook crushing with diverse drumming, this is the URIAH HEEP that will keep on inspiring the hearts of young and old Rockers / Metalheads. So if you are ready, jump to the sounds of the opener "Nail On The Head"…