'Into The Wild'
2011
Review By Matt Hill
A career spanning over four decades, record sales totalling over 30 million and from the same heavy rock era as Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, for some Uriah Heep might just be an undiscovered gem.
'Into The Wild' being the 23rd studio album, even with a back catalogue as big as this and one that goes back many years, their latest offering by no means sounds laboured or 'samey' yet doesn't stray from the tried and tested formula.
From the starting blocks I was met with an instantly likeable tune with big hooks, first track being 'Nail On The Head' Mick Box's guitar solos being over laden with Phil Lanzon's 'Hammond' keyboard, yet sounding distinctivley modern.
Bernie Shaw's vocals are smooth yet powerful throughout and sometimes operatic in style as demonstrated on the title track.
On the first hearing of 'Trail Of Diamonds' I thought it was time for a quieter moment or ballad but two minutes into the track Mick Box's guitar came crashing in, only to what I can describe as a blistering tune interchanging with a chorus of atmospheric vocals
This is an album with no filler just great tunes displaying some great variety, from the sing along nature of 'Southern Star' to the big hitters that lend themselves to air guitar such as 'Lost' and 'T-Bird Angel'
The final track 'Kiss Of Freedom' feels like a celebration, almost anthemic in style with long solos for the guitar, keyboard and big sounding drum fills, 'live' this would be a moment of comradeship with your fellow rocker as your extended arms would be linked swaying in appreciation, a perfect way to sign off.
A 70's classic rock sound with a big nod to the 21st Century.
