WAKE THE SLEEPER

Uriah Heep

Heavy Prog

3.42 | 196 ratings

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ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer

Ten years after their last studio album ("Sonic Origami") which was far from being a jewel, the Heep is back with some new material. But what can we expect from it?

Well, actually a good trip back in time for several songs. Indeed, the heavy sounds are clearly dominating this album. Good rhythmic, pleasant vocal harmonies. The Heep trade mark?

It is of course hard to write anthems as they ought to do some forty years ago (well, almost). What we get here are pleasant rock moments. Nothing prog of course (but they have never been prog to my sense) but solid and excellent rock music (especially "Overload").

The good surprise is still present with "Tears Of The World". Just a pity that the whole just sound heavy and that it is difficult to hear each of the individual instrument (even if the guitar play from Mick is quite convincing). It is another excellent song from "Wake The Sleeper". One of my fave. The whole album is full of good songs. Not great but pleasant ones like Light Of A Thousand Stars".

Of course, it is difficult to compare this album with the legendary ones and actually, one shouldn't try to do so. The greatest Heep albums were released ages ago. "Wake The Sleeper" has to be considered for what it is: a good heavy rock effort. At times, the pumping organ play may lead you to a fellow we all know well.

Still, the importance of Mick is enormous and can easily be compared to the one of Iommi within Sabbath. He IS the glue that has hold the band together for so many years. And his killing riffs are always a pleasure to listen to. Shadow being the archetype of the heavy rock genre and another good song fromp this album.

IMHHO, Wake The Sleeper is worth three stars. Indeed, a good album but the first first half is definitely better than the second one.

ZowieZiggy | 3/5 | 2008-7-31

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