Least-heard Heep album resurfaces

Review Score: (10/10)
It's great to have Uriah Heep's 1985 lp "Equator" finally available on cd. Since it had a scattered, limited release initially (although it was Heep's final lp to hit the UK top 100-briefly), few fans have heard "Equator". Of those who have, many misunderstand and ultimately dismiss "Equator". What Heep was doing here was trying to be as pleasingly commercial as possible to boost their worldwide visibility. There are touches of Yes ('Rockarama'), Asia, Journey...in other words, this is a VERY '80's pop- rock-metal offering. As such, it is a bit dated in places (especially the murky, synth-heavy production), but overall there are more than enough Heep trademarks (great musicianship, strong material, inspired vocals) to carry the day. There are a few weak tracks, which is unusual for Heep but perfectly understandable when you consider the era in which it was recorded. There is one undisputed all time Heep classic on the fine "Equator": the brilliant 'Night Of The Wolf'--one of the greatest recorded achievements of the band's long career. Add to that 'Poor Little Rich Girl', 'Rockarama', 'Holding On', the somewhat prophetic 'Skools Burnin' and 'Heartache City', and you have a great all-out rock n' roll mid- '80's album from one of the greatest bands in the history of rock. Four and a half stars would be a more appropriate rating for "Equator" in my opinion, but you just can't go wrong with Uriah Heep and this cd is no exception to the rule.

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