On January 28, BMG will release Uriah Heep’s first two albums as limited edition vinyl picture discs. These beautifully presented albums begin a series of collector picture disc releases from the Uriah Heep catalogue. The artwork for each picture disc has been meticulously worked on, retouching the original art and creating a true visual feast.

Originally released in 1970 Uriah Heep’s pioneering debut album, …Very ‘Eavy …Very ‘Umble, features their first ever single, the classic "Gypsy", written by Mick Box and David Byron. While the striking  artwork features original frontman David Byron on the front, almost unrecognizable beneath cobwebs.

In 1971 Uriah Heep released their second album, Salisbury, which contains the hits "High Priestess" and "Lady In Black" with the 16-minute title track, featuring a 24-piece orchestra and is the first album to feature the song writing of Ken Hensley.

Both albums contain the original audio recorded in Landsdowne studios.

Uriah Heep are one of the “big four” rock bands, along with Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, and certainly one of the most intriguing bands both musically and lyrically, to emerge from heavy rock.

Evoking an era when prog, hard rock and heavy metal co-existed in an era of glorious, boundary-breaking music, Uriah Heep rose from inexperienced studio musicians with everything to prove to bona fide limo inhabiting rock stars.

After selling over 40 million albums worldwide, over the years Uriah Heep have influenced many different metal bands around the globe, among the most popular being Dio. Bands including A-ha, King Diamond, Krokus, Demons & Wizards, Fifth Angel and Axel Rudi Pell have all cited Uriah Heep as a band of personal influence, while W.A.S.P, Tesla and Blackmore’s Night have all covered the band’s songs.

Pre-order …Very ‘Eavy Very ‘Umble… here. Pre-order Salisbury here.

Very ‘Eavy, Very ‘Umble  tracklisting:

A Side:
"Gypsy"
"Walking In Your Shadow"
"Come Away Melinda"
"Lucy Blues"

B Side:
"Dreammare"
"Real Turned On"
"I’ll Keep On Trying"
"Wake Up (Set Your Sights)"

Salisbury tracklist:

A Side:
"Bird Of Prey"
"The Park"
"Time To Live"
"Lady In Black"

B Side:
"High Priestess"
"Salisbury"

(Photo - Richard Stow)