DEMONS AND WIZARDS

When I did realize about the existence and Uriah Heep and listened to its early work album by album I was really satistified and surprised. I found their music very appealing, heavy and humble, but so melodic and touching. But then it comes to Demons And Wizards. And there's some magical here. When I need some music to take me high I often think about my picture disc version of Demons And Wizards...and here they are!

The liner notes by Ken Hensley are quite clear. That was a moment of pure inspiration, some kind of perfect moment to write and play for the five piece band, completed by Gary Thain and Lee Kerslake. Everyone here shines bright, but especial mention goes for the vocal interpretation of David Byron and, of course, everything that was touched by Ken: the magnificient hammonds (is there anyone out there who can make them sound this way!?!?), the gorgeous slide guitars, even when he sings. Gary Thain makes an amazing work on the bass lines, sustaining the overall sound in a perfect way. This music touches me. The first side of the album is completely flawless.

The acoustic opening The Wizard warns you about what deserves you. And then Traveller In Time (one of my heep favourite song) with its heavy riffing and gorgeous wah guitar blows you away to the classic Easy Livin'. Poet's Justice and Circle of Hands are more mystical and mellow songs that are so emotional it makes me cry, wonderful instrumental passages there. The it comes for the second side, that opens with the oriental oriented Rainbow Demon, a fantastic piece that sets you in another place and time, really makes you strange images. Maybe All My Life is the weakest song in the album, but the slides guitar and Byron's performance make it really enjoyable. So it comes to the end with Paradise/The Spell, two songs envolved by each other that once again have a mystical and magical flavour, the vocals are so good and so they are the instrumental thing.

I don't know if this is real prog or not, but what the hell, this is rock, heavy and touching, just as it got to be!