- German Release on Island Records with Gatefold Album Cover
This album "Salisbury (Island Records)" s the second studio album by the English rock band Uriah Heep, released in 1971. The album is considered one of the band's classic works and a landmark of the progressive rock genre.
"Salisbury" features a musical style that combines elements of hard rock, progressive rock, and heavy metal, and showcases the band's strong musicianship and powerful vocal harmonies. The album's title track, which is over 15 minutes long, is a standout piece that showcases the band's complex songwriting and adventurous spirit.
Other highlights from "Salisbury" include the tracks "Bird of Prey", "Lady in Black", and "The Park". These songs demonstrate the band's ability to balance progressive rock experimentation with catchy songwriting and memorable hooks.
Uriah Heep's lineup on "Salisbury" features vocalist David Byron, guitarist Mick Box, keyboardist Ken Hensley, drummer Lee Kerslake, and bassist Gary Thain. This album solidified their place as one of the leading bands of the progressive rock genre and cemented their status as one of the most important and influential hard rock bands of the 1970s.
In 1971, the air crackled with the aftershocks of the psychedelic '60s. Rock was mutating, sprawling into uncharted territories, and Uriah Heep, with their sophomore album "Salisbury," stood poised on the precipice, ready to leap. This German pressing, on the venerable Island Records, captured a band in the throes of sonic exploration, a band both embraced and reviled, a band that dared to be different.
"Salisbury" isn't just an album; it's a 40-minute odyssey, a testament to Uriah Heep's ambition and excess. The title track, a sprawling 16-minute behemoth, is the centerpiece, a prog-rock symphony that careens from delicate acoustic passages to orchestral bombast, all anchored by Ken Hensley's masterful songwriting. It's a testament to the band's willingness to push boundaries, to embrace the grandiose and the theatrical.
But "Salisbury" isn't just about prog-rock indulgence. Tracks like "Bird of Prey" and "Lady in Black" showcase the band's hard rock roots, with David Byron's soaring vocals, Mick Box's searing guitar riffs, and a rhythm section that hits like a sledgehammer. It's a potent blend of styles, a musical cocktail that's both intoxicating and exhilarating.
Uriah Heep weren't without their critics. Their flamboyant stage presence and Byron's operatic vocals drew comparisons to Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin, while their lyrics, often delving into themes of social unrest and disillusionment, ruffled a few feathers. But Uriah Heep never shied away from controversy; they embraced it, channeling the turbulent spirit of the times into their music.
"Salisbury" was produced by Gerry Bron, a veteran of the British rock scene, and recorded at Lansdowne Studios in London, a hallowed ground that had witnessed the birth of countless classics. The production is crisp and powerful, capturing the raw energy of the band while also allowing the nuances of their music to shine through.
In the end, "Salisbury" is a snapshot of a band in transition, a band unafraid to experiment, to challenge conventions, to push the boundaries of rock music. It's a testament to their ambition, their talent, and their unwavering belief in their own vision. It's an album that continues to resonate today, a reminder of a time when rock music was a force of nature, capable of anything.
Trivia: The selection of "Salisbury" as the album's title and the inclusion of a photograph featuring a British Chieftain tank are likely connected to Salisbury Plain, an expansive military training zone situated in Wiltshire, England. The deliberate association with this location suggests a thematic link to the military and perhaps a broader commentary on the societal context of the time. |
Music Genre:British Progressive Rock |
Album Production Information:The album: "Salisbury (Island Records)" was produced by: Gerry Bron for Hit Record Productions Ltd Gerry Bron's impact on the British rock scene is undeniable. From Uriah Heep's soaring vocals to Motörhead's thunderous riffs. Dive into his biography Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Peter Gallen This album was recorded at: Lansdowne Studios, London October-November 1970 Album cover design: Bloomsbury Group Album cover photography: Central Office of Information |
Label & Catalognr Information:Island 85 691 IT |
Album Packaging:Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages |
Media Format:12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram |
Year & Country:1970 Made in Germany |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: Salisbury (Island Records) |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "Salisbury (Island Records)" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "Salisbury (Island Records)" is:
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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. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )
Record Label Details: ISLAND 95 691
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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