DEMONS AND WIZARDS

Where all the pieces of the puzzle fit perfectly! DEMONS AND WIZARDS is considered the definitive URIAH HEEP album by many, including myself. Also this is the beginning of the ''classic'' line-up with the arrival of LEE KERSLAKE on drums and the late GARY THAIN on bass. My guess it was named the ''classic'' line-up because the 2 new members arrived at the time the popularity was starting to peak up at this time as i think NEWTON and CLARKE did also a great job on LOOK AT YOURSELF. So we can say it was perfect timing for mrs KERSLAKE and THAIN to join.

First thing you notice of course is the superb sleeve artwork designed by no less Mr ROGER DEAN of YES fame. One of the most beautiful covers ever made in my opinion. Does it mean URIAH HEEP is going back to progworld?? not exactly! The sound of course is definitely less brutal than on LOOK AT YOURSELF! there is more refinement, more subdued sounds, more and more great vocal harmonies, but most important an absolutely first class songwriting.

KEN HENSLEY is (almost) completely in charge of the music writings and it shows; the guitar of MICK BOX is taking a back seat, not too many ferocious solos, he is mostly playing harmonious notes getting along with the flow of the song. Of course, the hammond is everywhere like a wall of sound, but at least it is not overwhelming the rest of the band (not yet)

What do we have here? mostly mid-tempo songs, some even acoustic like the opener ''The wizard'' and gentle rockers like ''Traveller in time'' ''all my life''or the big hit, the wonderful ''Easy Livin''.

There is also a 12mn epic in 2 parts/ ''Paradise/the spell'' which is the highlight of the album with a great build-up and of course, magnificent, gorgeous, powerful vocals of mr BYRON followed by one of the most wonderful guitar solo i have ever heard.No,No nothing technical or flashy , just an emotional beautiful solo to give you goosebumps all over your body , even 35 years later!

I wouldn't be complete if i didn't mention also the power of beautiful songs like ''Rainbow Demon'' and especially the gorgeous ''CIrcle of hands''. Thanks, Ken Hensley to have come up with songs like that, thanks, David Byron to sing them so well.

An absolute masterpiece: URIAH HEEP at its peak

5 STARS only as i can't give more 5 STARS

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