WAKE THE SLEEPER

Whether Heep's putting new studio album is actually useful or even needed is a bit of a debate on which I won't spend much time. Unlike their arch-rival DP, they haven't been regularly putting out new album, and like DP, none have really been worth it, but then again, the same goes for AC/DC or WA. With guitarist Box being the only original member for more than two decades, but with now long-time member bassist Bolder, Heep's new line-up is certainly as apt as the historic and classical formation, with the possible exception of Lanzon in filling Hensley's boots, Shaw being a credible replacement in the line of Byron, Lawton, etc..

With a Buddhist artwork, and some indication from the song title, Heep is probably in a more pacific mood than with Abominog (the last studio album I've heard from them), but this is most likely just scratching the surface of the issues. Musically the group sounds like themselves, but not far away from Purple either and in some case even the dreadful Perry-era Journey (yiiiikes!!X(, courtesy of Shaw's vocals and sometimes the songwriting (What Kind Of God or God Of Ocean). While absolutely no tracks are standing out aurally or qualitatively, but there are no weak ones either. But does it ever feel good to the ears when the laser goes back ti its resting place!!

Unless you're really a Heep fan, I'm afraid that most curious classic rock fans might well pass up on this one, for lack of useful purpose and save space on their shelves. For the more dedicated fans, this will be a good but non-essential , but it's nothing to write home about

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