Uriah Heep's 'Abominog' isn't just another album, it's a statement. Released in 1982, it marked a bold new chapter for the band. Gone were the prog-rock complexities of their earlier work, replaced by a streamlined, hard-hitting sound tailor-made for the 80s. But don't mistake this for a sell-out - 'Abominog' still delivers the soaring vocals, infectious melodies, and instrumental prowess that Heep fans crave.
The 1982 Uriah Heep Abominog album is a classic heavy metal album that has been revered by fans for over four decades. The album's dark, ominous tone and powerful vocals have earned it a place in the pantheon of classic rock albums.
The Abominog album opens with the thunderous "Too Scared to Run", which sets the tone for the rest of the album. The song's driving guitar riffs and powerful vocals showcase Uriah Heep's raw energy and intensity. Other standout tracks include the haunting ballad "Prisoner" and the epic "Hot Persuasion", which features a soaring guitar solo that is sure to get your blood pumping.
One of the most interesting aspects of Abominog is how it blends different musical styles. The album features elements of heavy metal, hard rock, and even progressive rock, creating a unique sound that is unmistakably Uriah Heep. The band's signature use of Hammond organ and synthesizers adds a layer of complexity to the music, while the hard-hitting guitar riffs and pounding drums give the album its driving energy.
The album's cover art is equally impressive, featuring a monster-like creature with glowing red eyes and sharp teeth emerging from a sea of black. The artwork perfectly captures the dark, ominous tone of the album and has become an iconic image associated with Uriah Heep's music.
Abominog has been cited as a major influence on the heavy metal genre, particularly on the emerging New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement in the early 1980s. The album's use of synthesizers and keyboards paved the way for bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest to incorporate these elements into their own music. Uriah Heep's signature sound and powerful vocals also influenced a generation of metal vocalists, including Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden.
Uriah Heep's 1982 album "Abominog" marked a significant turning point for the band, embracing a more modern hard rock sound while staying true to their roots. Within this revitalized sound lies two powerful tracks: "Too Scared to Run" and "On the Rebound," both exploring themes of facing adversity and bouncing back stronger.
Too Scared to Run:
This dynamic track opens with a driving rhythm and a catchy riff that instantly grabs your attention. Lyrically, "Too Scared to Run" delves into the struggle of confronting one's fears and anxieties. The protagonist finds themselves trapped in a situation, paralyzed by fear, but ultimately realizes they must face their challenges head-on.
The chorus delivers a powerful message: "Too scared to run, but I'm not afraid to fight." It's a declaration of defiance, a refusal to succumb to fear. This resilience and determination resonates strongly, reminding listeners that even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, there's always a way to fight back.
On the Rebound:
This energetic and upbeat song carries a similar message of resilience, focusing on overcoming setbacks and bouncing back from disappointment. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who has experienced heartbreak or failure but refuses to let it define them.
The chorus captures this sentiment perfectly: "I'm on the rebound, picking up the pieces, learning how to fly." It's a testament to the human spirit's ability to heal and grow stronger through adversity. "On the Rebound" encourages listeners to embrace their setbacks as opportunities for learning and self-discovery.
The Significance of These Songs:
Both "Too Scared to Run" and "On the Rebound" strike a chord with listeners because they tackle universal experiences of facing fears and overcoming challenges. These songs offer a sense of hope and encouragement, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, we possess the strength to persevere.
These tracks also represent an important shift in Uriah Heep's musical direction. While retaining their signature hard rock sound, the band incorporated more modern elements, resulting in a fresh and accessible feel. This revitalization resonated with both long-time fans and newcomers, ensuring "Abominog" a place among the band's most beloved albums.
"Too Scared to Run" and "On the Rebound" remain powerful anthems of resilience, showcasing Uriah Heep's ability to deliver both musical excellence and lyrics that speak to the human experience. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the band, these tracks are well worth revisiting for their inspiring messages and timeless rock energy.
Music Genre:Hard Rock, Heavy Metal |
Album Production Information:The album: "URIAH HEEP ABOMINOG" was produced by: Ashley Howe Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Ashley Howe, Nick Rogers This album was recorded at: Roundhouse Recording Studios, London 1981 , October-December 1981 |
Label & Catalognr Information:Bronze S 204 532 |
Media Format:12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country:1982 Made in Germany |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: URIAH HEEP ABOMINOG |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "URIAH HEEP ABOMINOG" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "URIAH HEEP ABOMINOG" is:
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "URIAH HEEP ABOMINOG" |
Album Back Cover Photo of "URIAH HEEP ABOMINOG" |
Photo of "URIAH HEEP ABOMINOG" 12" LP Record |
Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. |
Bronze S 204 532 , 1982 , Germany
Abominog is the 14th album for British rock group URIAH HEEP. It was the first album without keyboardist Ken Hensley. The album was critically acclaimed and fairly commercially successful album due, in part, to the band retooling and updating their sound to a contemporary heavy metal style.
Abominog 12" Vinyl LPBronze 28 784 XOT / LC 2313 , 1979 , Germany
The 1979 release "Best of Uriah Heep" on Bronze Records, catalog number 28 784 XOT, is a compilation spanning 1970-1976. Produced by Gerry Bron, it features the band's pinnacle tracks, showcasing their evolution. Sound engineer Peter Gallen ensures sonic fidelity. Distributed in Germany, the LP captures Uriah Heep's global appeal. LC 2313 highlights Bronze Records' role.
Best of URIAH HEEP 12" Vinyl LPBronze 201 655 , 1980 , Germany
"Conquest" is an album by the English rock band Uriah Heep, released in 1980. It and marked a departure from their earlier, heavier sound towards a more polished and commercial style. The album features a mix of hard rock, progressive rock, and arena rock elements and includes songs such as "Heartless Land," "Imagination," and "Feelings."
Conquest 12" Vinyl LP
Uriah Heep's 1974 album "Demons and Wizards," released on a 12" LP in Austria with a Roger Dean-designed gatefold cover (Island 86 185 IT), holds significance within the evolving rock music landscape. The collaboration between the iconic band and Dean resulted in a visually striking cover that complemented the album's fantasy themes. This Austrian release contributed to the global accessibility of Uriah Heep's music, marking a notable chapter in 1970s rock history.
EPIC / Portrait PRT 26414 , 1985 , EEC
"Equator" is the 1985 album by the English rock band Uriah Heep. . It was recorded during a time of change and transition for the band, as they were exploring new sounds and directions. The album features a mix of hard rock, progressive rock, and arena rock elements, and includes songs such as "Rockarama," "Lonely Nights," and "The Other Side of Midnight."
Equator incl Rockarama 12" Vinyl LPBronze 26 449 XOT , 1978 , Germany
"Fallen Angel" is the 12th album released by British rock band URIAH HEEP in 1978. The album cover for Uriah Heep's 1978 album "Fallen Angel" was indeed designed by artist Chris Achilleos. Chris Achilleos is a Cypriot-British painter and illustrator who has created cover art for many books, albums, and magazines. He is well known for his fantasy and science fiction artwork and his attention to detail, and has created many memorable and iconic images throughout his career.
Fallen Angel 12" Vinyl LP
Firefly is the tenth album released by British rock band URIAH HEEP. It was first album without David Byron, lead vocalist and a founder-member of the band, and the first of three albums with John Lawton.
- Firefly (Germany, Bronze 28 791) - Firefly (Germany) - Firefly (Gt Britain) 12" Vinyl LPBronze 205 474 , 1983 , EEC
Uriah Heep's 1983 release, "Head First," marked their 15th studio album under Bronze Records. Produced by Ashley Howe, the album showcased the band's adaptability in the evolving music scene. Recorded at Manor Studios, it blended hard and progressive rock elements. In the context of 1983 Europe, the album reflected the era's musical trends and served as a sonic backdrop to the cultural shifts of the time.
Head First 12" Vinyl LPBronze 28 715 XOT , 1976 , Germany
Released in 1976 on Bronze Records, Uriah Heep's "High and Mighty" 12" LP marked a significant chapter in mid-'70s rock. Produced by the band and recorded at London's Roundhouse Studios, it showcased their distinctive blend of hard and progressive rock.
High and Mighty 12" Vinyl LP
The 1979 release of Uriah Heep's "Innocent Victim" on Amiga Records, featuring a distinctive band portrait on the cover, adds a captivating layer to the album's narrative. With liner notes by Ulrich Gnoth and the DDR catalog number AWA 8 55 671, it stands as a unique collector's item, providing a glimpse into the cultural and musical dynamics within the German Democratic Republic during that period.
- Innocent Victim (East-Germany, Amiga Records) - Innocent Victim (Germany) - Innocent Victim (Switzerland)INT 148.811 DMM , 1987 , Germany
Uriah Heep's "Live in Moscow," recorded during their historic 1987 concerts in the Soviet Union, marks a pivotal moment in rock diplomacy. Spearheaded by Laszlo Hegedus, the album showcases the band's musical prowess and captures the energy of the era. The gatefold cover and meticulous engineering by Janos Mihaly and Gabor Hegedus contribute to a sonic masterpiece.
Live in Moscow / Cam B Mockbe 12" Vinyl LP
"Uriah Heep's 'Live 1973' 2LP Album, subtitled 'Bronze Records and Peter Bowyer Present,' captures the essence of the band's musical prowess during its release period. Released on vinyl, the record reflects a moment in music history, showcasing Uriah Heep's live performances. Bronze Records and Peter Bowyer's collaboration contributes to preserving and presenting this iconic era of rock music for enthusiasts and collectors alike."
- Live 1973 (Germany) - Live 1973 (USA)
Uriah Heep's "Look At Yourself," released on Bronze Records in Germany, adds a distinctive chapter to the band's musical narrative. Produced by Gerry Bron and recorded at Lansdown Studios in 1971, this release encapsulates the essence of British hard rock. With a unique imprint on the German music scene, it stands as a testament to Uriah Heep's international resonance and diverse influence.
- Look at Yourself (Germany) - Look at Yourself incl Large Poster (Germany) - Look at Yourself (Gt Britain) - Look at Yourself (Netherlands)
Uriah Heep's "The Magician's Birthday," a 1972 12" LP vinyl release, stands as a quintessential piece in the British rock scene. Featuring a gatefold sleeve designed by Roger Dean, the album combines Ken Hensley's storytelling with the band's musical prowess. Recorded at Landsdowne Studios, London, it presents a cohesive narrative with detailed liner notes. Produced by Gerry Bron, this timeless artifact encapsulates the essence of progressive rock during its release period.
- Magician's Birthday (Gt Britain) - Magician's Birthday (Italy) - Magician's Birthday (Netherlands & Germany)
Uriah Heep's 1975 release, "Return to Fantasy," showcased a harmonious blend of production mastery by Gerry Bron and recording finesse at London's Lansdowne and Morgan Studios. The visual allure, courtesy of Dave Field's design and Joe Gaffney's photography, complemented the musical journey. Released on Bronze Records as a 12" vinyl LP, the album's inner sleeve with complete lyrics added a personal touch, contributing to its significance in the diverse musical landscape of 1975.
- Return to Fantasy (Germany, Bronze 28 783) Return to Fantasy (Germany, Bronze 89 065 XOT)
Released in 1970, URIAH HEEP's "Salisbury" 12" LP Vinyl Album, stands as a musical gem. With its distinctive gatefold album cover, this French edition adds a touch of elegance to the band's iconic sound. A testament to the era, the release encapsulates the spirit of the '70s music scene, making it a prized collector's item for enthusiasts of the period.
- Salisbury (France) - Salisbury (Germany)
Released in 1973 by Bronze Records, Uriah Heep's "Sweet Freedom" marked the band's sixth studio album. The 12" LP, cataloged as Bronze 28 777 XOT, showcased the British rock band's musical prowess during a dynamic period in the music industry. With its blend of rock and progressive elements, the album contributed significantly to the band's artistic evolution, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene of 1970s Germany.
- Sweet Freedom (Bronze Records) - Sweet Freedom (Island Records)
The Austrian release of Uriah Heep's debut album, "Very 'eavy... Very 'umble," on Island C 85 690/Bronze/Austro Mechana, offers a regional perspective on the band's impact. With a distinct catalog number, this version maintains the album's original charm, featuring a gatefold-sleeve and insert with band photos. The Austrian release contributes to the broader European dissemination of Uriah Heep's influential hard rock sound during the early 1970s.
- Very 'Eavy Very 'Umble (Austria) - Very 'Eavy Very 'Umble (Germany, Bronze Records) - Very 'Eavy Very 'Umble (Germany, Vertigo Records)Bronze 87 931 IT , 1974 , Germany
"Wonderworld," the 1974 studio album by English rock band Uriah Heep, showcases a blend of hard rock, progressive rock, and blues-inspired elements. Featuring tracks like "The Wizard," "Suicidal Man," and "So Tired," the album marked a shift towards a more straightforward and commercial style, departing from the band's experimental sound. Despite mixed reviews, it proved commercially successful, solidifying Uriah Heep as a prominent hard rock band in the 1970s, with its tight production and memorable performances earning it a lasting place in the band's live repertoire.
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