The mythic guitarist Mick Box and his band URIAH HEEP are still alive & kicking. Their two latest releases "Wake the Sleeper" in 2008 or 2011's "Into The Wild" were phenomenal and critically acclaimed. I think the new album "Outsider" is gonna make the same consensus, as it's designed clearly as a musical continuation!

For their 24th studio album, the mood is still surprisingly fresh and set in a real dynamic mode with. The HEEP keeps on improving themselves, definitively not stuck in the past. Of course the nostalgic style is present, but enhanced, built notably under a relaxed mode. There's a lot of class and a confident method, not unlike the latest work from compatriots as UFO / NAZARETH / MAGNUM /ASIA or DEEP PURPLE. The veterans still rocks and i'm pretty glad to proclaim it!

Developing a very distinct signature sound and a strong character, URIAH HEEP is one of the most emblematic English Hard Rock groups that had emerged in the very early 70's. Today their sonic identity is still genuine,  very palpable and tangible. Once again excellently produced by Mike Paxman (STATUS QUO) this new album is indeed a pretty well crafted affair. Sounding clean and crisp, the guitar driven Hard rockin' numbers on "Outsider" are enjoying a new found credibility under a sensational mix of traditional Vintage Rock overtones, complex heaviness, some more commercial stuff with swirling keyboards, Anthemic hooks ("One Minute" / "Jessie") and a few more Melodic tracks increasing some more degrees in a density, revealing a boldness in the riffage method or displaying a complementary interplay with Phil Lanzon's mighty Hammond ("Is Anybody Gonna Help Me" / "The Outsider").

Of course, such more regular titles as "Rock The Foundation" or "Looking At You" still display the same old energy. A stainless fierce attitude showing an uncomparable passion and pride for their own legacy ...Respect!

Obviously lead singer Bernie Shaw (ex GRAND PRIX / ex STRATUS) delivers some first class vocals in the pure English crooning attitude with a certain nobility. He is this time once again the shining star of the whole "Outsider". This disc also introduces the new recruited bassist Davey Rimmer, who joined the band last year. His performance is in perfect coherency with the legendary style of original member ("Can't Take That Away") and iconic Bass player Trevor Bolder (RIP).

Almost fifty minutes of pure British Epic Heavy Rock with the eternal dedication stamp on it, not a single filler from the energetic opening cut "Speed Of Sound" to the more Proggy "The Law", using their typical layered harmony vocals trick from the solid "Kiss The Rainbow" to the more personal "Say Goodbye" as closing song. This perfect combination of Classic Rock tradition and Groovy upgraded progressive Rock is actually one of the strongest asset of "Outsider".

Recommended!