Genuine German Release on Bronze Records
"Very 'eavy... Very 'umble" is the debut album of British hard rock band Uriah Heep. The album was generally panned by the mainstream critical press upon its release, although it has since been acknowledged as an early classic of the heavy metal genre. The harshest critic was Rolling Stone magazine reviewer, Melissa Mills, who began her review, "If this group makes it I'll have to commit suicide. From the first note you know you don't want to hear any more." This is the original vinyl release was a gatefold-sleeve, featuring David Byron on the front sleeve, almost unrecognisable beneath the cobwebs
Uriah Heep's debut album, "Very 'eavy... Very 'umble," stands as a significant milestone in the realm of British hard rock, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene during its release period in the early 1970s. The album, initially unleashed on vinyl in a genuine German release on Bronze Records, not only showcased the band's musical prowess but also contributed to the evolving landscape of rock music.
Recorded in 1970, the album arrived at a time when the music industry was undergoing a dynamic transformation. The late 1960s and early 1970s witnessed the emergence of diverse musical genres, with hard rock and progressive rock gaining prominence. Uriah Heep, with their distinctive sound and captivating performances, became a formidable force in this era of musical exploration.
The vinyl release of "Very 'eavy... Very 'umble" featured a gatefold-sleeve, a characteristic trait of albums from that period. The cover design, adorned with the enigmatic presence of David Byron beneath cobwebs, hinted at the band's penchant for theatrics and visual storytelling. This visual element not only complemented the music but also contributed to the overall experience for the listener.
The production, helmed by Gerry Bron for Hit Productions LTD, reflected a commitment to sonic excellence. The album's catalog number, Bronze 28 763, marked its place in the extensive discography of the band. The inclusion of an original insert with a photo of the Uriah Heep band and tour dates in 1979 added a personal touch, connecting fans with the live experiences surrounding the album's release.
The Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design, featuring artwork and photos of Uriah Heep band members on the inside cover pages, provided fans with a visual narrative that complemented the musical journey within the vinyl grooves. Such attention to detail showcased the band's dedication to creating a holistic and immersive experience for their audience.
Moreover, the insert not only served as a keepsake for fans but also highlighted Uriah Heep's discography, featuring photos for each album. This thoughtful addition contributed to the band's narrative, allowing listeners to trace their evolution over time.
In the broader context of the early 1970s, "Very 'eavy... Very 'umble" played a role in shaping the identity of hard rock as a genre. Uriah Heep's fusion of powerful vocals, intricate instrumentation, and thematic depth resonated with a generation seeking musical expression that went beyond conventional boundaries.
Music Genre:Prog Rock, Hard Rock , |
Album Production Information:The album: "URIAH HEEP VERY' EAVY VERY' UMBLE" was produced by: Gerry Bron for Hit Productions LTD
Gerry Bron, a visionary British music producer and manager, played a vital role in the success of Uriah Heep during the 1970s. As their producer and manager, he oversaw iconic albums like Demons and Wizards and The Magician’s Birthday, shaping their progressive rock legacy.
Learn more about his remarkable career on the Uriah Heep Discography.
Sound Engineer: Peter Gallen Sound Mix Engineers: Peter Gallen, Peter Olliff Recorded at: Lansdowne Studios, London Sleeve Design: Robin Nicol (Dream Machine) Photography: Pete Smitt |
Label Information:Bronze 28 763 |
Album Packaging: This album includes the original insert with photo of "Uriah Heep" band and tour-dates in 1979. The other side of the insert has "Uriah Heep's" album catalog with photos for each album. Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with artwork / photos of Uriah Band-members on the inside cover pages |
Media Format:12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country:Made in Germany |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: URIAH HEEP VERY' EAVY VERY' UMBLE |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "URIAH HEEP VERY' EAVY VERY' UMBLE" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "URIAH HEEP VERY' EAVY VERY' UMBLE" is:
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The album cover of Very 'Eavy... Very 'Umble by Uriah Heep is an unsettling and surreal visual composition. The upper half of the image dominates with a ghostly face seemingly trapped in a fine web-like material. The expression is one of anguish or horror, mouth wide open in a silent scream, as if suffocating or struggling to break free. The strands covering the face give a sense of decay or entrapment, adding a macabre, almost supernatural feel to the image.
Shadows partially obscure the eyes, intensifying the eerie atmosphere. The color palette of the face leans toward pale flesh tones, but the surrounding darkness accentuates its spectral, otherworldly quality. The lighting is dramatic, with a high-contrast effect that makes the features appear almost sculpted, reminiscent of a horror movie still.
The lower half of the cover showcases a pair of hands, interlocked in a tense, almost claw-like grasp. These hands appear to be emerging from darkness, bathed in cold, blue-tinted lighting that gives them a lifeless, frozen appearance. Like the face above, they are also entangled in wisps of the same eerie, web-like material, reinforcing the themes of entrapment and despair.
The typography is minimal yet effective. The band's name, URIAH HEEP, is displayed in bold, capitalized blue letters, positioned in the upper right quadrant. Below, the album title, ...very 'eavy and ...very 'umble, is written in lowercase orange-yellow font, adding a peculiar contrast against the dark background. The composition as a whole perfectly captures the album’s brooding, gothic energy, making it an iconic representation of early '70s hard rock aesthetics.
The inner gatefold cover of Very 'Eavy... Very 'Umble (German release) is a striking visual experience, drenched in deep red tones that intensify the raw energy of the live performance it captures. The composition centers on the band's vocalist, clad in dark attire, mid-motion with his arms raised in a commanding stance, his head tilted slightly away from the microphone stand. His curly blonde hair is illuminated by the stage lighting, creating a halo-like effect.
To the left, the guitarist, hunched over a black Les Paul guitar, is locked in deep concentration. His long, wavy hair flows down as he stands in front of a towering Marshall amplifier stack. The sheer size of the amplifier hints at the raw power of Uriah Heep's sound, a defining element of early '70s hard rock.
Behind them, the drummer sits partially obscured by his drum kit, with the cymbals glinting under the red-tinged stage lights. The bass drumheads feature an eerie, surrealistic image—likely a reference to the album's macabre cover art—depicting a distorted, screaming face, further reinforcing the band's dark and theatrical aesthetic.
Dominating the backdrop is a gigantic, monstrous face with an open, gaping mouth, mirroring the haunted expression from the album's front cover. The eyes and features are abstract and shadowed, as if emerging from a fiery abyss. The stage curtains frame the scene, with folds adding texture to the dimly lit background.
Above the image, the tracklist and credits are presented in bold green and yellow text, standing out against the dark background. The bright neon typography adds an almost psychedelic touch, complementing the dramatic red lighting and reinforcing the intensity of the band's stage presence.
The inner gatefold cover of Very 'Eavy... Very 'Umble (German release) is a raw and atmospheric snapshot of Uriah Heep’s early days, drenched in dramatic red lighting that bathes the stage and amplifies the intensity of the performance. The image is split into two dynamic sections: on the left, the bassist, clad in a light-colored shirt and dark pants, stands with his instrument slung low, fingers poised to strike. Behind him, a towering wall of amplifiers and speakers looms, a staple of hard rock stage setups from the era.
On the right, the keyboardist, hunched forward over a massive Hammond organ, appears completely immersed in the music. His body is slightly blurred, an indication of motion, as he wrestles with the keys, coaxing out the band’s signature blend of heavy rock and progressive textures. His shaggy hair and dark clothing blend into the shadows, emphasizing the pure focus of his performance.
The backdrop is dominated by a surreal, fiery red pattern, adding a psychedelic element to the otherwise stark rock ‘n’ roll scene. This design mirrors the eerie, ghostly artwork of the album’s front cover, tying the visual aesthetic together.
Superimposed over the image, the album’s tracklist and liner notes are printed in bold white text. The song descriptions are carefully arranged in two columns, detailing each track’s structure and thematic depth. At the bottom, a personal note from keyboardist Ken Hensley provides insight into the band’s creative process and the challenges they faced during recording. The typography is crisp and legible, standing out against the fiery red and black hues of the background.
This image captures the sheer energy and commitment of a band on the rise—an unfiltered, electrifying moment frozen in time, perfectly complementing the power and ambition of Uriah Heep’s debut.
This image showcases the discography section from the inner sleeve of Uriah Heep's Very 'Eavy... Very 'Umble (German Release). The layout is organized in a structured grid format, featuring fifteen album covers along with their respective details such as release year, album titles, and catalog numbers.
The background is a warm, retro-styled orange, complementing the album art. At the top left, in bold pink text, the word Discografie (Discography) stands out. Each album cover is displayed in a small square, accompanied by text underneath detailing the title, year of release, and brief descriptions of key songs or features.
The first row features early Uriah Heep albums, including Very 'Eavy... Very 'Umble (1970) with its eerie cobweb-covered face artwork, followed by Salisbury (1971), Look at Yourself (1971) with its distinctive reflective mirror-like cover, Demons and Wizards (1972) with Roger Dean’s surreal fantasy artwork, and The Magician’s Birthday (1972) with another striking Dean illustration.
The second row highlights live recordings and mid-era studio albums, such as Uriah Heep Live (1973), Sweet Freedom (1973) with its glowing sunset design, Wonderworld (1974) depicting the band as stone sculptures, and Return to Fantasy (1975), featuring a fiery phoenix-like creature.
The third row focuses on later releases, including The Best of Uriah Heep compilation (1976), High and Mighty (1976) with an image of a futuristic missile, Innocent Victim (1977) showcasing a menacing snake-like creature, and Fallen Angel (1978) with its regal warrior woman imagery.
The final section features solo projects, including Ken Hensley’s Proud Words on a Dusty Shelf and Eager to Please, signaling his work outside Uriah Heep.
The lower-left corner of the image contains text detailing the record label, AUTOREM Address: Musik GmbH, along with their address in Munich. The entire layout is structured to provide a quick yet comprehensive overview of Uriah Heep’s discography up to the late 1970s, offering a snapshot of their artistic evolution.
The image is a vibrant, warm-toned promotional poster for Uriah Heep’s 1979 tour. Dominated by a bold red and yellow color scheme, the top section features large red uppercase text reading URIAH HEEP ON TOUR. Below this, the tour dates and venues are meticulously arranged in two columns, printed in black against a bright yellow background. Each entry lists the date, city, and venue, providing a detailed itinerary of their performances across Germany and other European locations.
A red-circled calendar on the left side highlights January and February 1979, marking the key tour months. The lower section of the poster continues the calendar layout, covering all months of the year in small black text, neatly formatted into individual boxes.
At the center, a striking band photo captures five members of Uriah Heep in a relaxed, informal setting. They are seated on a dark brown leather couch against a wooden-paneled wall, exuding a laid-back 1970s aesthetic. Their clothing is a mix of casual and rock-star flamboyance: denim jeans, leather boots, a red turtleneck under a black jacket, a dark vest over a white shirt, and long, wavy hair typical of the era.
A unique and heartwarming detail in the foreground is a small child, dressed in a red and white checkered dress with matching red shoes, facing away from the camera. She appears to be interacting with one of the band members' fluffy white dogs, adding an endearing contrast to the otherwise serious rock band persona.
The composition balances the structured typography of the tour information with the casual, almost domestic setting of the band portrait. The combination of bold colors, vintage design, and human elements creates a visually engaging and memorable piece of rock history.
"Very' Eavy Very' Umble" Record Label Details: Yellow Colour BRONZE 28 763 ET
This image showcases the record label of Uriah Heep's Very 'Eavy... Very 'Umble (German Release) on Bronze Records. The label is yellow with black text and features the distinctive Bronze Records logo at the top, with its stylized lettering in green and white.
Encircling the outer edge of the label, fine black text in German states copyright and distribution rights, including prohibitions against unauthorized reproduction, rental, and public performance.
Below the Bronze Records logo, the album title Very 'Eavy Very 'Umble is displayed in bold uppercase letters. To the left of the spindle hole, the format designation "ST 33" is printed within a double-circle symbol, indicating it is a stereo 33⅓ RPM LP. The catalog number "28 763 ET" is printed below.
On the right side of the label, the word "STEREO" is printed in bold uppercase letters, followed by a boxed "GEMA" logo, signifying the German performing rights organization. Beneath this, the matrix number "C 85 690 A" is printed, along with "Seite 1", indicating this is the first side of the record.
The tracklist follows, listing the songs on Side 1:
Production credits are printed at the bottom, attributing the album's production to Gerry Bron for Hit Record Productions Ltd. The label also includes a recurring Bronze Records motif featuring small, walking human figures around its circumference, evoking an evolutionary theme.
The spindle hole is centrally located, slightly reflecting light, and the vinyl grooves are visible around the edges, emphasizing the classic look of this early pressing.
This image captures the Side 2 record label of Uriah Heep's Very 'Eavy... Very 'Umble (German Release) on Bronze Records. The label's yellow background features black text with the Bronze Records logo in green and white at the top.
As with Side 1, the outer ring contains German copyright information, warning against unauthorized reproduction, rental, and broadcasting.
Below the logo, the album title Very 'Eavy Very 'Umble is printed in bold uppercase letters. To the left of the spindle hole, the format indicator "ST 33" is enclosed within a double-circle symbol, signifying stereo sound and a 33⅓ RPM playback speed. The catalog number "28 763 ET" appears below.
On the right side, "STEREO" is printed in bold, followed by the boxed "GEMA" logo, denoting the German music rights organization. Beneath this, the matrix number "C 85 690 B" is printed, indicating Side 2.
The tracklist for Side 2 is printed below the band's name, listing:
Production credits are listed at the bottom, crediting Gerry Bron for Hit Record Productions Ltd. The familiar Bronze Records walking-figure motif encircles the label, reinforcing the label's distinctive branding.
The spindle hole is positioned in the center, and the edges of the vinyl disc with visible grooves frame the label, maintaining the classic aesthetic of this early pressing.
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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