Although
they survived the most possible prophecies for a downfall URIAH HEEP continue to have exceptionally strong
and rather stable line up. The reasons to keep their freshness are their
non-assessed new works and their never-ending creative
potential. „Live at Koko“ is a proof of my above-mentioned thesis.
The
first part of the concert is from the new works of the band. I mean the
releases between 1995 and 2014 (Yes, this is new for URIAH HEEP, my young friends!!!) The
exception „Stealin“, which is one of the re-recorded classics
in 2009 confirms the rule. In
its concert version this selection of songs is exceptionally strong and has
a great impact on the audience. A potential is revealed that sometimes is
lost in the studio recordings. Lots of the young bands that research the
melodic aspects of metal could learn something from the wealth of the
veterans. They can also see the ease of performance! In its audio version
this impressive collection is gathered in CD-1.
The
second part of the concert is devoted to the approved hits of the
Englishmen from their star hippy years. Here the charge is in the video
version of the release. The joy from the performance and from the freedom
of the improvisations is caught by HD cameras. Musically some remarks could
be made but the live performance compensates every look back in the past.
The video and the CD versions of the release have one and the same play list.
The
contemporary DVD/BlueRay format gives us intimate look to the
stage where the musicians have a lot to show. The environment in the club
is prepared for filming and offers us actual look over URIAH HEEP which force continues to be streamed
from their music. Even young people who hear them for the first time could
be captured by this concert. There is no need from my recommendations for
the fans of hard rock and melody heavy metal.
