Description
Uriah Heep – Conquest – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Released in February 1980, Uriah Heep’s Conquest marked a significant departure from the band’s signature progressive hard rock sound, blending more radio-friendly, AOR (album-oriented rock) elements with their established style. Known for their early classic albums like Demons and Wizards (1972) and Look at Yourself (1971), Uriah Heep had become one of the defining acts of the 1970s British hard rock scene. However, Conquest represented a period of transition for the band, marked by lineup changes and a polarizing shift in musical direction.
This album was the first and only Uriah Heep release to feature vocalist John Sloman, whose more pop-oriented style and high-pitched vocals starkly contrasted with the band’s previous singers, particularly David Byron and John Lawton. The change in vocal style, along with a smoother, less heavy sound, alienated some long-time fans, while others appreciated the band’s willingness to experiment and evolve. Despite its polarizing reception, Conquest offers some intriguing material and serves as an important chapter in Uriah Heep’s lengthy and diverse career.
By the time Conquest was recorded, Uriah Heep had already undergone several lineup changes, most notably replacing their iconic original vocalist David Byron after his departure in 1976. John Lawton, who had sung on the albums Firefly (1977), Innocent Victim (1977), and Fallen Angel (1978), had also left the band by the end of the 1970s. In his place came John Sloman, whose vocal style was a stark contrast to his predecessors, bringing a more theatrical, almost glam rock element to the band’s sound.
Produced by Gerry Bron, Conquest was recorded with the lineup of Mick Box (guitar), Ken Hensley (keyboards, guitars), Trevor Bolder (bass), Chris Slade (drums), and Sloman on vocals. However, the recording sessions were reportedly fraught with tension, particularly between Hensley and Sloman, which ultimately led to Hensley’s departure from the band after the album’s release. These internal conflicts, combined with the band’s stylistic shift, made Conquest a highly divisive album both within the band and among fans.
Sound: A Blend of Hard Rock, AOR, and Experimentation
Conquest moves away from the heavier, more progressive rock elements that had defined Uriah Heep’s earlier work, embracing a more streamlined, polished sound that leaned towards AOR and mainstream rock. The album retains some of the band’s signature traits—Hensley’s rich keyboard work, Box’s melodic guitar playing, and dramatic, anthemic songs—but there is a noticeable shift toward more commercial production and songwriting.
Several tracks on Conquest have a more radio-friendly, polished feel compared to the band’s earlier, more experimental and heavier albums. Songs like “Feelings” and “Carry On” feature catchy hooks, simpler song structures, and smoother production, showcasing the band’s attempt to appeal to a broader audience in the early 1980s.
While there are still moments of hard rock intensity, such as “No Return” and “Out on the Street,” much of the album focuses on more melodic, keyboard-driven tracks. Hensley’s keyboards take on a larger role, adding lush textures and atmospheres to the songs, while Box’s guitar work is more restrained and melodic, contributing to the album’s overall softer feel.
One of the most distinctive (and polarizing) aspects of Conquest is Sloman’s vocal performance. His high-pitched, dramatic delivery contrasts sharply with the deeper, more soulful voices of Byron and Lawton. While some fans appreciated Sloman’s vocal range and theatrical style, others found his voice incompatible with the band’s established sound.
Lyrically, Conquest explores themes of emotional conflict, love, heartache, and introspection, much of which reflects the internal turmoil within the band at the time. While not as fantasy-driven as some of Uriah Heep’s earlier works, the album still maintains a sense of drama and intensity, with lyrics that focus on personal struggles and existential themes.
Songs like “No Return” and “Fools” delve into themes of betrayal and disillusionment, with lyrics that express feelings of frustration and hopelessness. These tracks reflect the personal and professional tensions the band was experiencing during the recording of the album. Tracks like “It Ain’t Easy” and “Feelings” explore the complexities of romantic relationships, with lyrics that focus on the emotional highs and lows of love. These songs are more straightforward in their themes compared to the mystical and fantastical elements found in the band’s earlier work.
Despite the album’s darker emotional themes, there are moments of optimism and hope, particularly in the closing track “Carry On,” which encourages perseverance and looking ahead to better days. The song’s upbeat, anthemic sound contrasts with some of the more melancholic moments on the album.
Notable Tracks
“No Return”: Opening the album with a heavy, chugging riff and Sloman’s soaring vocals, “No Return” is one of the more traditional hard rock tracks on Conquest. The song’s urgent, driving rhythm and biting lyrics set the tone for the album’s themes of personal conflict and emotional struggle.
“Fools”: One of the standout tracks on the album, “Fools” is a slow-burning, emotional ballad that showcases Sloman’s theatrical vocal style. The song’s dramatic arrangement, with lush keyboards and a powerful guitar solo from Box, makes it one of the most memorable moments on Conquest.
“Out on the Street”: This track combines hard rock with anthemic, almost bluesy elements. Sloman’s vocal performance is particularly powerful here, and the song’s strong chorus and dynamic shifts between soft verses and heavy, guitar-driven sections make it one of the album’s highlights.
“Carry On”: Closing the album on an optimistic note, “Carry On” is a melodic, uplifting track that emphasizes perseverance in the face of hardship. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it a departure from the darker, more introspective songs that dominate the album.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Conquest received mixed reviews upon its release, with many long-time Uriah Heep fans struggling to connect with the band’s new direction and John Sloman’s vocal style. Some critics appreciated the band’s willingness to experiment and evolve, while others felt that the album lacked the heaviness and complexity of the band’s earlier work. The tensions within the band, particularly between Hensley and Sloman, also contributed to the album’s somewhat disjointed feel.
Despite the initial mixed reception, Conquest has since garnered a cult following, particularly among fans who appreciate the album’s more melodic, AOR-oriented sound. While it may not be as revered as some of Uriah Heep’s classic albums from the 1970s, it remains an important part of the band’s history, representing a transitional period in their long and varied career.
The aftermath of Conquest was significant, as Ken Hensley left the band shortly after its release, marking the end of an era for Uriah Heep. His departure, along with Sloman’s eventual exit, led to further lineup changes and a shift in the band’s musical direction in the years that followed.
Conquest is a fascinating, albeit polarizing, album in Uriah Heep’s extensive discography. While it represents a departure from the band’s earlier, heavier sound, it also showcases their willingness to explore new musical territory and adapt to the changing landscape of rock in the early 1980s. The album’s blend of AOR, hard rock, and melodic elements, combined with John Sloman’s theatrical vocals, make it a unique entry in the band’s catalog.
For fans of Uriah Heep who are open to the band’s more experimental side, Conquest offers some intriguing material and moments of emotional depth. Though it may not be as celebrated as the band’s classic albums, it remains an important chapter in the evolution of Uriah Heep’s sound and lineup, marking both the end of one era and the beginning of another.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
No Return
Imagination
Feelings
Fools
Carry On
Won’t Have To Wait Too Long
Out On The Street
It Ain’t Easy
