THE MAGICIAN'S BIRTHDAY

The genius called Ken Hensley has enhanced his creative machine to an even higher level than the in their previous work. This is the classic formation and entire career Uriah Heep's finest achievement beside Demons and Wizards, as they're strongly inside the fantasy theme.

Demons and Wizards was a soft, sweet album, if compared to this one. Magician's Birthday is energy! The band comes with a heavier sound and Mick Box seems to be more inspired now, more than the simply colaboration on Demons and Wizards, he and his wah-wah guitar were essentials in this achievement.

The main Magician's Birthday song is another Uriah Heep's giant, being beside Salisbury in quality terms, yet in a complete different style, heavier, 'weirder' even. The 'happy birthday' session before the solo may be a little repetitive, but with a generous ear, it will sound sweet. Byron's voice starting the song is just fantastic. In the middle section, Box, Hensley and Kerslake just go crazy! What a mind-blowing solo, really. The vocal session in which the magician fights the evil is also fantastic, Byron being very inspired. This song is worth the album, really. But, not alone, Echoes in the Dark, with darkened, sublime key sound and voice, is another must-have. Sunrise, Spider Woman and Blind Eye are energetic songs, the band just getting close to the sound of some 70's hard rock bands. Sweet Lorraine, with weird keys, reveals to be an interesting ballad. A masterpiece of an album!