- Amiga Records, East-Germany (GDR)
This is the rare East-German (German Democratic Republic / DDR) issue of Uriah Heep's Innocent Victim released on the Amiga Record Label. The album cover has a different design (portrait of Uriah Heep's band members) compared with other issue's of I"nnocent Victim" wehre the front cover has a large Snake artwork. Liner notes in German by Ulrich Gnoth 1979
In the intricate tapestry of music history, certain releases stand out not only for their sonic brilliance but also for the unique circumstances surrounding their production and distribution. One such gem is Uriah Heep's "Innocent Victim," and when we delve into the East-German (DDR) issue on the Amiga Record Label, a fascinating chapter unfolds.
Released in 1979, "Innocent Victim" is a testament to Uriah Heep's prowess in the realm of rock music. The East-German edition, distinguished by its Amiga Records imprint, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the album's narrative.
A Visual Departure: Album Art and Design
A notable distinction of the East-German release lies in its album cover. While other versions feature a prominent snake artwork on the front, the DDR edition showcases a portrait of Uriah Heep's band members. This visual departure not only renders the East-German release visually distinct but also raises questions about the artistic choices made within the context of the German Democratic Republic.
The Amiga Records Imprint: A Glimpse into DDR's Music Scene
The choice of Amiga Records as the label for the East-German release is significant. Amiga, known for being the state-owned record label in the DDR, played a crucial role in shaping the musical landscape within the Eastern Bloc. It served as a conduit for the distribution of both domestic and international music, albeit with certain ideological constraints.
The catalog number AWA 8 55 671 and the 'Made in East-Germany (DDR)' stamp on the record not only authenticate its origin but also reflect the bureaucratic intricacies of cultural production in a socialist state.
Liner Notes by Ulrich Gnoth: A Cultural Bridge
The inclusion of liner notes in German by Ulrich Gnoth adds a layer of cultural context to the release. Gnoth's insights, penned in 1979, provide a snapshot of the East-German perspective on Uriah Heep's music during that period. Understanding how the album was received and interpreted in the DDR enriches our appreciation of the socio-cultural dynamics at play.
A Collector's Rarity
Fast forward to the present, and the East-German edition of "Innocent Victim" stands as a collector's rarity. Its scarcity, coupled with the distinctive design and historical context, makes it a sought-after piece for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The founding year of the group Uriah Heep, 1970, coincided with the Charles Dickens anniversary year, so it was fitting to choose a literary figure from the British novelist as the inspiration for the band’s name. That Uriah Heep, the villain from David Copperfield, served as the namesake initially met with critical resistance. Nevertheless, Uriah Heep was to become one of the leading and most important representatives of hard rock. Already in 1968 and 1969, Ken Hensley (keyboards, guitar, vocals) had recorded two LPs with the later Uriah Heep drummer Lee Kerslake in the group The Gods (e.g., with Greg Lake and Mick Taylor) before switching to Toe Fat. But it was only with Uriah Heep that Hensley, along with David Byron (vocals) and Mick Box (guitar), from the group Spice, formed the triumvirate that became definitive for the sound of the band. David Byron’s, Box’s, and Hensley’s characteristic vocal arrangements, often involving an intensive vibrato and high-pitched falsetto escapades, combined the rock guitar of Mick Box and Hensley’s often classically oriented organ playing into what became the signature sound pattern for Uriah Heep. With drummers and bass players, Uriah Heep had to experiment frequently. Between 1970 and 1971, Alex Napier, Keith Baker, and Ian Clarke on drums preceded Hensley recruiting his former bandmate Lee Kerslake into the band in 1972. For Paul Newton, 1971 brought bassist Gary Thain from the Keef Hartley Band, and in 1975 John Wetton (formerly of King Crimson).
Nevertheless, the sound initially established remained constant over the years, only becoming more refined year after year. Variations, like the use of an acoustic guitar instead of amplified instruments in ‘The Wizard’ (1972), were interesting but not particularly typical. Even the addition of prominent guest musicians for the LP Look at Yourself (1971), such as Manfred Mann (synthesizer) or Teddy Osei, Mac Tontoh, and Loughty Amao (percussion) from Osibisa, brought only slight embellishments to the ‘Heep sound.’ Despite clear harmony patterns, a strength of Uriah Heep lay in the melodic development of internationally successful rock models, placing Uriah Heep among the leading British hard rock bands. The group subsequently delivered new albums continuously, but it was only at the turn of 1977/78, in a new lineup with Innocent Victim, that they regained earlier popularity, with ‘Free Me’ taking the lead.
Music Genre:Prog Rock |
|
Album Production Information: Produced by Gerry Bron & Ken Hensley, Sound Engineer: Peter gallen, John Gallen, Julian Cooper. Recorded at the Roundhouse Recording Studios London |
Label & Catalognr Information:Amiga AWA 8 55 671 ( 855671 ) |
Media Format:12" Vinyl Full-Length Stereo Long-Play Gramophone RecordAlbum weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country:1979 Made in East-Germany (DDR) |
Band Members and Musicians on: Uriah Heep Innocent Victim Amiga DDR |
|
Complete Track Listing of: "Innocent Victim" |
|
The Song/tracks on "Uriah Heep Innocent Victim Swiss" are
|
| Album cover photos of : Uriah Heep Innocent Victim Amiga DDR |
|
The album cover for Uriah Heep’s Innocent Victim East-German edition (Amiga Records, DDR) features a sepia-toned, hand-drawn portrait of the band members. The artwork depicts the faces of five band members: John Lawton, Trevor Bolder, Mick Box, Ken Hensley, and Lee Kerslake, arranged symmetrically. Below the portraits are their signatures, giving the artwork a personal and authentic feel. The band’s name, Uriah Heep, is prominently displayed at the top in clean white font, with the Amiga logo and catalog number positioned above it. The overall design is minimalist yet striking, contrasting with the snake artwork seen on other versions of the album. |
| Photo of "Innocent Victim" Album's Back Cover |
|
|
Close-up Photo of "Innocent Victim" Record Label
|
The record label of Uriah Heep’s Innocent Victim East-German Amiga DDR edition is a deep red background with white text. At the top, the Amiga logo is prominently displayed in bold uppercase letters, followed by the word “STEREO” and the catalog number “8 55 671.” The label includes the “ST 33” symbol within a circle, indicating stereo and 33 RPM playback. Surrounding the outer edge of the label is the text “VEB DEUTSCHE SCHALLPLATTEN ALL HERSTELLER UND URHEBERRECHTE VORBEHALTEN - ÜBERSPIELUNG, ÖFFENTLICHE AUFFÜHRUNG UND RUNDFUNKSENDUNG VERBOTEN,” stating copyright and usage restrictions in German. Additionally, “Übernahme von Ariola-Eurodisc GmbH, München/BRD” appears at the bottom, indicating the source of the release. The label maintains a clean, minimalistic design, characteristic of Amiga Records. |
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 LP
Bronze 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 LP
Bronze 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 LP
Bronze 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 LP
Bronze 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 LP
Bronze 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.
Learn more