Review | Uriah Heep ‘Into The Wild’
After releasing what was basically a “Best Of” (the current line-up of Uriah Heep re-recorded Uriah Heep classic’s plus one new song) in 2009 aptly titled ‘Celebration‘ and touring throughout 2009 to celebrate the bands 40th Anniversary Uriah Heep got back into writing mode in 2010 and recorded their 23rd studio record titled ‘Into The Wild‘ which will be released in the U.S. May 3rd, 2011 on Frontiers Records.
First of all, how old are these guys and where do they get all their energy? Just writing that first paragraph about what Uriah Heep has been up to wore me out. There is definitely a youthful, energetic feel to this record that for some reason makes it sound like writing this album was easy, maybe it was. At this stage in their long illustrious careers I don’t think Uriah Heep is writing music for anyone but themselves and it shows. I’m of the mindset that the best music comes from the heart and the gut, this record is full of heart.
Into The Wild has all the classic Uriah Heep trademarks. Starting with guitarist and Uriah Heep founding member Mick Box providing heavy riffs, his trusty wah-pedal fueled solo’s and strong backing vocals. A big Leslie speaker driven organ (something I do love) provided by keyboardist Phil Lanzon is ever present throughout Into The Wild giving it a 70’s feel. Powerful lead vocals performed by Bernie Shaw who has been the voice of Uriah Heep since 1986, almost making you forget they used to have a singer named David Byron. I said almost. Bassist Trevor Bolder and newest member, drummer Russell Gilbrook are a rock solid rhythm section and complete the harmonious backing vocals.
Into The Wild kicks off with the straight forward and catchy ‘Nail On The Head‘ (check out the video below) that would have probably been a radio hit back in the day but since the radio doesn’t play good music anymore I’ll just add it and the rest of Into The Wild to my ipod, god bless you Steve Jobs. Back to the record. The upbeat ‘I Can See You‘ has a cool vocal chorus and tasty solo from Mr. Box. The title track ‘Into The Wild‘ smokes, excellent keyboard/guitar trade off in the solo break and a big vocal chorus with Bernie Shaw showing off his range, this guy can sing.
I don’t want to get into a song by song review but I had a hard time finding a stinker on this one. I was pleasantly surprised that every song is solid with no throwaways to be found anywhere. Great song structures and writing, nice vocal melodies and harmonies, this is a hard rockin’ Uriah Heep record mixed with emotion and feel. I do want to talk about the track ‘Lost‘ though. Epic, that’s what came to mind when I heard this track, epic. This one takes you on a musical journey of riffs and hypnotic vocals that had me in slow head bang mode and really groovin’ to a heaviness and atmospheric vibe. Wow, see, it’s got me using language from the sixties and seventies but that’s what I felt, killer tune.
If you have been a fan of Uriah Heep in the past and maybe lost touch with the band you will want to check this one out, trust me. If you have been following the band as they ventured into the 21st century then you know what to expect from the current line up and they delivered. I will be seeing Uriah Heep live this summer and if they played most of this record along with a few of their classic’s, I would be very happy. Into The Wild is a must have for all Uriah Heep fans and even some none fans might want to give this one a listen. Well done gentlemen.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Favorite Track: Lost
Into The Wild
Into The Wild
- “Nail on the Head” – 4:15
- “I Can See You” – 4:13
- “Into the Wild” – 4:20
- “Money Talk” – 4:44
- “Trail of Diamonds” – 4:14
- “Lost” – 6:28
- “Believe” – 4:26
- “Southern Star” – 5:09
- “I’m Ready” – 4:51
- “T-bird Angel” – 4:01
- “Kiss of Freedom” – 6:13
- “Hard Way To Learn” (Japanese edition bonus track)
Uriah Heep
Mick Box – Guitar, Vocals
Trevor Bolder – Bass, Vocals
Bernie Shaw – Lead Vocals
Phil Lanzon – Keyboards, Vocals
Russell Gilbrook – Drums, Vocals
4 Responses to “Review | Uriah Heep ‘Into The Wild’”
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Good review and great album!!!!Uriah Heep is pure progressive heavy metal 70,80,90,2000,2010 etc:)Everyone who is called metal fan,must listnen Uriah Heep.Goodluck to UH and all people!
Just ordered it from amazon. I’m a fan from the 70’s. My love for Heep started with ‘Look At Yourself.’ Rediscovered them with the excellent ‘Wake The Sleeper.’ God bless Mick Box for never giving up. Damn, I wish radio would play good music again.
Thank you Gogmagog,
As you can see from my review I to was pleasantly surprised with this excellent record. I can wait to see the boys perform live at the Del Mar in San Diego June 29th.
SpaceTrucker
Superb review! I was thrilled with this album (and “Trail of Diamonds,” in particular). Nice to see a solid band with a rich history still creating new, exciting material. Thanks for posting!