WAKE THE SLEEPER

Wow ,there was a lot of hype surrounding this release ,did it live up to it ? Absolutely - in spades ! While we had to wave goodbye to beloved drummer & founding member The Bear Lee Kerslake,who also w/Bob Daisley wrote most of Ozzy's first 2 albums - but that discussion's for another time - just expressing his pedigree !New drummer Russel Gilbrook seems to have energized the lads on this release .If you notice most of the tunes on this album were co-written by Mickey Box & Phil Lanzon ,exactly the combo Heep needs ,check out the organ / guitar drenched songs within .No mistake here as the early Heep was fuelled by guitar / organ .Some of their heaviest & humblest -sorry couldn't resist :0) ,since their earlier classic period .As good as Sonic Oragami & Sea of Light were ,& there wasn't a bad track on either as well as flawless production ,this one's catchier & heavier .In this reviewer's opinion their finest since their also underrated masterpiece 1982's Abominog .Classic Rock magazine has rated this album very highly even putting it in the running for album of the year ! No surprise once you've heard it .So if you love classic hard rock & Heep in particular pick this up & witness a band slayin' 'em ! The lads have worked 'ard on this one & should be rewarded ! Long live Heep !