All in all, Demons and Wizards works both as a showcase for Uriah Heep's instrumental firepower and an excellent display of their songwriting skills in a variety of hard rock styles. However, the top highlight of the album is the closing medley of "Paradise" and "The Spell": the first part of the medley starts in an acoustic folk mode and slowly adds layers of organ and electric guitar until it becomes a forceful, slow-tempo rocker, while the second half is a punchy, organ-led rocker that includes an instrumental midsection where choral-style harmonies fortify a killer, Pink Floyd-style guitar solo from Ken Hensley. Demons and Wizards also produced a notable radio hit for the band in "Easy Livin'," a punchy little rocker whose raging blend of fuzz guitar and swirling organ made it feel like a '70s update of classic '60s garage rockers like the Electric Prunes or Paul Revere & the Raiders. Other highlights include "Traveller in Time," a fantasy-themed rocker built on thick wah-wah guitar riffs, and "Circle of Hands," a stately power ballad with a gospel-meets-heavy metal feel to it. The album's approach is set with its lead-off track, "The Wizard": it starts as a simple acoustic tune but soon builds into a stately rocker that surges forth on a Wall of Sound built from thick guitar riffs, churchy organ, and operatic vocal harmonies. From short, sharp rock songs to lengthy, musically dense epics, Demons and Wizards finds Uriah Heep covering all the bases with style and power. ![]() “Chaos & Colour” is the perfect example of this… a fresh take on classic rock, that combines all the music elements that made Uriah Heep become who they are today.This is the album that solidified Uriah Heep's reputation as a master of gothic-inflected heavy metal. Other people at their age would have retired long ago, but they are still here rockin’, and reminding us that age is just a number and that what your heart desires is all that matters. At the same time, they stayed true to their roots, which made them famous in the first place. Uriah Heep has been around for more than 50 years, and it’s incredible to see how they’ve grown and adapted to the changing times. The instrumentation and the performances are also noteworthy. The album engineered by Pieter Rietkirk (Crippled Black Phoenix, Editors, etc.) and produced by Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Steel Panther, Black Star Riders, Amon Amarth, etc.). The production is tight, powerful and clear. “Closer to Your Dreams” has an “Easy Livin’” vibe to it, which makes it a good closer. “Freedom to Be Free” is an 8+ minute prog rocker with multiple rhythm changes and a fairly “unusual”, but effective bass solo in the middle. “You’ll Never Be Alone” blends class rock with prog rock, while “Fly Like an Eagle” is a high-energy rocker with the band’s trademark sound. “Golden Light” is a simple, rocker in the well-known classic Heep style. “One Nation, One Night” is an amazing atmospheric power ballad that displays the band’s ability to create emotive songs. “Hurricane” is a fine straightforward rocker. The same can be said for “Age of Changes”, which has a great catchy chorus. “Silver Sunlight” continues to rock, while “Hail the Sunrise” has a sweet 70s feel, reminiscent of Uriah Heep’s classic sound from that era. The song is a collaboration between bass player Davey Rimmer and Jeff Scott Soto, and sets the tone for the rest of the album. The album opens with the first single, “Save Me Tonight”, an upbeat rocker with catchy hooks. Uriah Heep’s ability to create their signature classic rock sound while keeping things fresh is impressive, and this album is no exception to that. This album marks the band’s 25th studio release and is packed with power, energy and a refreshing sound. ![]() “ Chaos & Color”, their new studio effort, arrives nearly 5 years after “Living the Dream”. Uriah Heep, one of the most iconic classic rock bands from the 70s, have been creating music for over 50 years.
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