For those not in the know, the highly respected, and long-standing Uriah Heep are an English rock band formed in London in 1969. Twelve of the band's albums have made it to the UK Albums Chart whilst of the fifteen Billboard 200 Uriah Heep albums, Demons and Wizards was the most successful (#23, 1972).

In the late 1970s the band had massive success in Germany, where the "Lady in Black" single was a big hit and thus, along with Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple, Uriah Heep had become one of the top rock bands in the early 1970s.

The rest as they say, is history, and that history continues today with the release of the incredible Digitally Remastered 2CD set reissue, entitled Totally Driven via Cherry Red Records (UK). This obscure collection of 27 re-recorded tracks by the legendary British hard rock band were originally re-recorded back in 2001, so don't go thinking the band just got back together for this divine release; sorry, but no.

Including the hits, such as "Lady in Black," "July Morning" and "Easy Livin'," Totally Driven comes delightfully housed in a six panel digipak with new custom artwork. And GREAT, highly imaginative custom artwork, that that, for sure! The album also features the band's longest running line-up of Mick Box, Lee Kerslake, Phil Lanzon, Bernie Shaw and the late Trevor Bolder.

Again, re-recorded tracks, one and all, from back in 2001, Totally Driven is still the first on the band's own Uriah Heep Records. And, unlike a lot of other re-releases, Totally Driven has had the band's full input, inclusive of its re-branding here today. And as for the impressive double album itself, well, sure the collaborative partnership credits of Box/Byron (from the early days, and original lead vocals) is nowhere to be found, but Box still managed to prove that life without Byron still meant success.

From the thunderous "Gypsy," the Hammond/guitar fun of "Traveller in Time," the frenetic "Bird of Prey," on through to the gentle acoustic guitar picking of "Come Away Melinda," the orchestrated balladry of "Come Back to Me," the history behind "Lady In Black," and the out and out rock exploits of "Only the Young," "Between Two Worlds," and "Universal Wheels," Totally Driven is an album - as a fan of the band, or as simply a once innocent bystander to their music - you have to own.

2CD Purchase Link

www.CherryRed.co.uk