- A late 70s hard rock odyssey drenched in fantasy art, soaring vocals, and gatefold vinyl glory
Uriah Heep’s "Fallen Angel", released in 1978 as a German gatefold LP, marked the band’s twelfth studio album and the last with vocalist John Lawton. Produced by Gerry Bron and Ken Hensley, it blended melodic hard rock with progressive touches, highlighting tracks like “Come Back to Me” and the title song. The striking fantasy artwork by Chris Achilleos, paired with Fin Costello’s photography, created a visual statement as bold as the music. Recorded at London’s Roundhouse Studios, it remains a collector favorite and a vivid snapshot of late-70s rock evolution.
Uriah Heep's "Fallen Angel" is a remarkable album that not only captivates listeners with its exceptional music but also enchants them with its visually stunning album cover. Released in Germany as a gatefold 12" LP vinyl, the album features an exquisite illustration by the renowned painter Chris Achilleos. The artwork spans across the front and back covers, coming together when the gatefold cover is opened, revealing the complete drawing.
Chris Achilleos, a Cypriot-British painter and illustrator, is widely acclaimed for his talent in creating captivating fantasy and science fiction artwork. With meticulous attention to detail, Achilleos has left an indelible mark on the realms of books, albums, and magazines. His artistic prowess shines through in the cover illustration of "Fallen Angel," displaying his ability to transport viewers to a world of beautiful fantasy.
The gatefold cover design of the album was crafted by Chess Creative Services, who undoubtedly showcased their expertise in sleeve design. The meticulous attention to detail in the gatefold format allows for a visually stunning experience when opening the album. As the cover unfolds, the front and back illustrations merge seamlessly, revealing the complete work of art and further immersing the audience in Achilleos' fantastical vision.
Photography for the album was expertly handled by Fin Costello, a highly regarded photographer known for his work with prominent musicians. Costello's skilled eye captured the essence of Uriah Heep and visually complemented the music contained within the album.
"Fallen Angel" was produced by the talented duo of Gerry Bron and Ken Hensley, who played instrumental roles in shaping the album's sound. Recorded and mixed at Roundhouse Recording Studios in London between April and August 1978, the album benefited from the expertise of engineers Peter Gallen and John Gallen, ensuring the highest quality of sound production.
Uriah Heep's "Fallen Angel" not only represents a musical masterpiece but also stands as a testament to the fusion of art and music. With Chris Achilleos' awe-inspiring cover illustration and the combined efforts of Chess Creative Services, Fin Costello, Gerry Bron, Ken Hensley, Peter Gallen, and John Gallen, the album encompasses a complete sensory experience.
"Fallen Angel" was released in 1978 and marked the third and final Uriah Heep album with vocalist John Lawton. By this point, the band was exploring a more polished rock sound, leaning toward melodic hard rock rather than the heavier, progressive style of their earlier years. Although not a chart-topper in every country, it remains a fan favorite for its strong songwriting and distinctive late-1970s production.
The striking gatefold artwork for Fallen Angel was created by Cypriot-born fantasy artist Chris Achilleos . Known for his vivid, dramatic paintings filled with swords, sorcery, and powerful figures, Achilleos was one of the leading illustrators of fantasy art in the 1970s and 1980s. His work blended meticulous detail with a flair for bold, almost cinematic scenes, making him a perfect match for rock and heavy metal albums of the era.
Chris Achilleos was not just an album cover painter. He was already well known for creating science-fiction and fantasy book covers, and for his illustrations for the Doctor Who paperback series. His art also appeared in the cult magazine Heavy Metal. Collectors often note how the Fallen Angel cover fits perfectly into the late-70s "fantasy warrior" trend, where artists blended rock imagery with sword-and-sorcery motifs. This connection between music and fantasy art has helped the album remain visually iconic, even beyond the Uriah Heep fan community.
Prog Rock, Hard Rock
Bronze 26 449 XOT
Rights Society: GEMA
Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with artwork/photos on the inside cover pages
12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram
1978 – Germany
Chris Achilleos is a renowned painter and illustrator, born on 30 October 1947, in Famagusta, Cyprus. He later moved to the United Kingdom, where he established himself as one of the most prominent and influential artists in the fields of fantasy and science fiction.
From an early age, Achilleos displayed a keen interest and natural talent for art. He studied at the Hornsey College of Art in London, where he honed his skills and developed a distinctive artistic style. Inspired by the works of renowned fantasy artists such as Frank Frazetta and Roy G. Krenkel, Achilleos began to create his own imaginative and captivating artworks.
In the early stages of his career, Achilleos primarily focused on book covers, producing stunning illustrations for popular science fiction and fantasy novels. His attention to detail, combined with his ability to create intricate and dynamic compositions, quickly made him a sought-after artist in the publishing industry. Some of his notable book cover illustrations include works for authors such as Michael Moorcock, Isaac Asimov, and Robert E. Howard.
Achilleos's talent extended beyond book covers, leading him to venture into other areas of art and illustration. His artwork graced the covers of numerous magazines, including Heavy Metal and Playboy, where his captivating and often provocative images garnered widespread attention and acclaim.
In addition to his contributions to the world of literature and magazines, Achilleos made a significant impact on the music industry. He created iconic album covers for various renowned bands, including Uriah Heep, Saxon Helloween. His ability to capture the essence of a band's music and translate it into visual form made him a favorite among musicians and fans alike.
One of Achilleos's notable contributions to the realm of album cover art is his work for the band Uriah Heep. His collaboration with Uriah Heep resulted in the creation of the mesmerizing cover illustration for their album "Fallen Angel." Released in 1978, the German gatefold 12" LP vinyl version of the album showcased Achilleos's talent for capturing the essence of the band's music through captivating fantasy art.
Chris Achilleos's artwork has been exhibited in galleries and exhibitions worldwide, further solidifying his reputation as a masterful artist. His distinctive style, characterized by meticulous attention to detail, vibrant colors, and a sense of dynamic energy, continues to captivate and inspire art enthusiasts to this day.
Throughout his career, Achilleos has received numerous accolades and awards for his contributions to the world of art. He has been honored with the British Fantasy Award for Best Artist, as well as receiving the World Fantasy Award for Best Artist and the Hugo Award for Best Professional Artist.
Chris Achilleos's impact on the world of fantasy and science fiction art cannot be overstated. His captivating and imaginative illustrations have left an indelible mark on the genre, influencing and inspiring generations of artists and fans. With a career spanning several decades, Achilleos's legacy continues to grow, ensuring his place as one of the most celebrated and influential artists in the realm of fantasy and science fiction.
The album cover of Fallen Angel presents a commanding fantasy illustration dominated by a fierce female warrior. She stands front-facing, draped in a bold zebra-striped cloak, with ornate armor pieces and a belt decorated with metallic stars and intricate patterns.
Her head is crowned with an elaborate headdress of beads, feathers, and animal figures, enhancing the mythical aura. In her right hand she grips a broad sword with an ornate hilt, while her left hand raises a dagger with a gleaming blade.
Perched on her shoulder is a menacing black bird of prey, its red eyes and sharp beak accentuating the threatening presence. Behind her, a sparse, twisted tree emerges from a muted yellow background, setting a stark and mysterious stage.
At the top, bold maroon letters spell Uriah Heep, with the stylized album title Fallen Angel below. A small box in the upper corner highlights the inclusion of the track Come Back To Me, tying the powerful visual directly to the music within.
The back cover of Fallen Angel extends the dramatic fantasy artwork. Dominating the image are the armored legs of the warrior woman, clad in zebra-striped leggings and steel greaves decorated with circular motifs, firmly planted in the undergrowth.
Between her feet lies the body of a slain wild boar, its eyes wide open and tusks exposed, tangled in vines and forest vegetation. To the left, her sword pierces the ground beside the beast, further emphasizing the ferocity of the scene.
In the shadowy background, indistinct animalistic figures loom between twisted trees and thick foliage, adding a sense of menace and mystery. The palette is heavy with greens, browns, and muted yellows, intensifying the earthy and fantastical atmosphere.
The lower section of the cover provides the printed track listing for both sides of the LP, with titles neatly arranged in columns. Distribution details and label credits are displayed in small type beneath, anchoring the artwork in its physical album context.
The left inside page of the German gatefold edition of Fallen Angel presents a clean two-column layout with all printed lyrics. Side A features tracks like Woman of the Night, Falling in Love, One More Night (Last Farewell), Put Your Lovin’ on Me, and Come Back to Me.
On the right-hand column are the Side B songs: Whad’ya Say, Save It, Love or Nothing, I’m Alive, and the title track Fallen Angel. The background is a pale yellow, the text is simple and functional, emphasizing readability over decoration.
This design highlights the lyrical storytelling of the album, with no additional artwork on this panel, allowing the words themselves to take center stage within the gatefold presentation.
The right inside page of the German gatefold edition of Fallen Angel combines a striking band portrait with detailed credits. All five members—Mick Box, Trevor Bolder, John Lawton, Ken Hensley, and Lee Kerslake—are shown in casual clothes, seated on or around a dark leather sofa set against a wood-paneled wall. A young child stands facing them, adding a human and playful element to the otherwise formal band imagery.
On the left half of the page, text credits are printed in black on pale yellow background, including musician roles, publishing credits, engineers, sleeve design, and recording details from London’s Roundhouse Studios in 1978. The track listing is also reprinted here with songwriter attributions.
This layout offers both a personal glimpse of the band in a relaxed setting and the essential production details, completing the gatefold’s storytelling balance between image and information.
The first page of the custom inner sleeve for the German edition of Fallen Angel is a vivid promotional design. An orange background frames a 1979 calendar in yellow along the left and bottom edges, with January and February prominently circled in red to highlight the band’s touring schedule.
Across the top, the text “Uriah Heep On Tour” introduces a full list of concert dates and venues, including major German cities such as Hamburg, Munich, and Berlin, as well as European stops in Vienna, Basel, and Saarbrücken. This transforms the inner sleeve into both a collectible artifact and a functional fan keepsake.
On the right-hand side, the same casual band photo seen in the gatefold reappears: all five members sit relaxed on a dark leather sofa against a wood-paneled wall, while a young child stands curiously in front of them, adding a playful, human touch to the promotional layout.
The second page of the custom inner sleeve for the German release of Fallen Angel features a striking orange background dominated by a full discography section. At the top left, the title “Discografie” is printed in vertical red type.
Sixteen miniature album covers are neatly arranged in a grid, documenting Uriah Heep’s releases from Very ’Eavy Very ’Umble (1970) through Fallen Angel (1978). Below each thumbnail is concise text providing album titles, release years, catalog numbers, and brief track highlights. This design serves as both a reference guide for fans and a promotional showcase of the band’s catalog.
The lower row also includes solo projects by Ken Hensley, emphasizing the creative breadth of the band members. The uniform orange background and small black print unify the presentation, turning the sleeve into a mini visual archive of the group’s musical journey.
- exactly as printed on the Fallen Angel German custom inner sleeve photo -
Uriah Heep Very 'Eavy Very 'Umble, veröffentlicht 1970. Tracks include Gypsy, Come Away Melinda, Dreammare, Real Turned On. BRONZE/LP 2187 376 XOT/MCS 56 768 GT
Uriah Heep Salisbury, veröffentlicht 1971. Tracks include Bird of Prey, The Park, Lady in Black, Salisbury. BRONZE/LP 2188 376 XOT/MCS 56 768 GT
Uriah Heep Look At Yourself, veröffentlicht 1971. Tracks include July Morning, Tears in My Eyes, Shadows of Grief. BRONZE/LP 2189 376 XOT/MCS 56 763 GT
Uriah Heep Demons and Wizards, veröffentlicht 1972. Tracks include The Wizard, Traveller in Time, Easy Livin', Rainbow Demon. BRONZE/LP 2190 376 XOT/MCS 56 765 GT
Uriah Heep The Magician’s Birthday, veröffentlicht 1972. Tracks include Sunrise, Sweet Lorraine, Blind Eye, Tales. BRONZE/LP 2191 376 XOT/MCS 56 766 GT
Uriah Heep Live, veröffentlicht 1973. Recorded January 1973. Includes Easy Livin’, Gypsy, Sunrise, July Morning. BRONZE/LP 2173 XOT/MCS 56 768 YT
Uriah Heep Sweet Freedom, veröffentlicht 1973. Tracks include Dreamer, Stealin’, Seven Stars, Pilgrim. BRONZE/LP 2175 XOT/MCS 56 769 GT
Uriah Heep Wonderworld, veröffentlicht 1974. Tracks include Suicidal Man, The Shadows and the Wind, The Easy Road. BRONZE/LP 2178 376 XOT/MCS 56 763 GT
Uriah Heep Return to Fantasy, veröffentlicht 1975. Tracks include Return to Fantasy, Devil’s Daughter, Beautiful Dream. BRONZE/LP 2179 376 XOT/MCS 56 773 GT
The Best of Uriah Heep, veröffentlicht 1975. Compilation featuring Gypsy, Bird of Prey, July Morning, Easy Livin’. BRONZE/LP 2175 XOT/MCS 56 768 YT
Uriah Heep High and Mighty, veröffentlicht 1976. Tracks include One Way or Another, Midnight, Can’t Keep a Good Band Down. BRONZE/LP 2181 XOT/MCS 56 778 GT
Uriah Heep Firefly, veröffentlicht 1977. Tracks include The Hanging Tree, Wise Man, Sympathy, Firefly. BRONZE/LP 2183 XOT/MCS 56 777 GT
Uriah Heep Innocent Victim, veröffentlicht 1977. Tracks include Keep on Ridin’, Free n’ Easy, Cheat’n’Lie, Illusion. BRONZE/LP 2184 376 XOT/MCS 56 779 GT
Uriah Heep Fallen Angel, veröffentlicht 1978. Tracks include Woman of the Night, Falling in Love, Come Back to Me, Fallen Angel. BRONZE/LP 2185 XOT/MCS 56 814 GT
Ken Hensley Proud Words on a Dusty Shelf, veröffentlicht 1973. Solo album including When Evening Comes, From Time to Time. BRONZE/LP 2178 GT
Ken Hensley Eager to Please, veröffentlicht 1975. Solo album including Stargazer, Secret, Through the Eyes of a Child. BRONZE/LP 2191 XOT
This detailed close-up reveals the yellow Bronze Records label for Side One of Uriah Heep’s Fallen Angel, released in 1978. At the top sits the iconic Bronze logo in bold blue with faint illustrated figures in the background.
The band name Uriah Heep is centered in uppercase, with the album title Fallen Angel directly beneath. A full track listing follows, including “Woman of the Night,” “Falling In Love,” “One More Night (Last Farewell),” “Put Your Lovin’ On Me,” and “Come Back To Me.”
Key identifiers are prominently displayed: catalog number 26 449 XOT, rights society GEMA, label code LC 2313, and format mark ST 33. At the bottom, production credits name Gerry Bron and Ken Hensley, with © 1978 Bronze Records Ltd affirming its issue year.
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 LPThe album cover for Uriah Heep's 1978 album "Fallen Angel" was 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.
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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