From Blabbermouth.net:

Universal Music has announced the release of a new studio album from British rock legends URIAH HEEP in June 2008.

"Wake The Sleeper" will be URIAH HEEP's first studio album in almost ten years (the first since 1998's "Sonic Origami") and is set to herald an exciting new phase for the band. The album sees URIAH HEEP back to their very best and is set to become a future classic — sure to please their dedicated worldwide fan base and fans of progressive rock in general. Recorded in 2007 the album was produced by Mike Paxman (STATUS QUO, JUDIE TZUKE). In the words of Mick Box, "We are delighted to be reunited with a major label in Universal music. 'Wake The Sleeper' is an album we are incredibly proud of, and one that we hope the fans will see as one of URIAH HEEP's best. We can't wait to get back out on the road to showcase the new songs."

The live arena has been vital to the longevity of URIAH HEEP. So in addition to album sales of over 30 million worldwide the band have toured in 52 countries and established themselves as consummate live performers. The band has a series of impressive firsts including being the first British rock band to play Russia in December 1987.

This is the band's first album without their long-standing and original drummer Lee Kerslake who sadly had to leave the band due to ill health in January 2007. Filling the drum stool for the very first time is the hugely well-respected Russell Gilbrook (Tony Iommi, Van Morrison, John Farnham and Lonnie Donnegan).

Current band lineup is:

Mick Box - Guitar, Vocals
Trevor Bolder - Bass, Vocals
Phil Lanzon - Keyboards, Vocals
Bernie Shaw - Lead Vocals
Russell Gilbrook - Drums, Vocals

"Wake The Sleeper" track listing:

01. Wake The Sleeper
02. Overload
03. Tears Of the World
04. Light Of A Thousand Stars
05. Heavens Rain
06. Book Of Lies
07. What Kind Of God
08. Ghost Of The Ocean
09. Angels Walk With You
10. Shadow
11. War Child

URIAH HEEP's progressive heavy metal made the British band one of the most popular hard rock groups of the early '70s. Formed by guitarist Mick Box and vocalist David Byron in the late '60s, URIAH HEEP released their debut album "Very 'eavy... Very 'umble" in 1970. Since then the band have released 20 studio albums and played to millions of fans across the globe. URIAH HEEP remain one of British rock's most consistent and long-standing acts, with album sales of over 30 million worldwide. "Wake The Sleeper" will be URIAH HEEP's 21st studio album.

"Wake The Sleeper" will also be released on vinyl as a 12" limited edition in a stunning gatefold sleeve.



Amazon USA (import):
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0016CP21I/?tag=imwan-20

Amazon UK:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0016CP21I/?tag=imwan-21

(Domestic release pre-order links pending ... ~ Linda)

I can't wait for this-it's been 10 long years! While Heep have made as much crap as genius over the decades, the last few albums have been very good and I'm sure this will continue that trend.

Invisible Ped:

What last few albums are you referring to, please? I don't have any of their recent stuff and wanted to check 'em out!

Sonic Origami?
Spellbinder?

Thanks!

no ken hensley though

The Mick Box Band, but not Uriah Heep.

C'mon now-this has been the lineup since 1986 (although Lee Kerslake has retired due to health reasons in the last year).
That was the longest running Heep lineup ever-21 years. This isn't some imposter lineup. The fans are back more in the last 10 years then any time since the brief resurgence in the early 80's. The classic stuff, as well as the late 70s and early 80s stuff was great but these guys still kill live. Don't know what to expect from the new album, but even in their prime Heep made some of the worst albums ever like "Wonderworld", "High And Mighty" and "Innocent Victim".
I would love to see Ken Hensley back, but he did leave in 1980 and was an egomaniac which he admits. But his writing (if it's possible for him to be any good again) would be cool to hear again.

Well Hensley like Mark Farner prefers Christian rock these days.

This album will apparantley be out Tuesday-best price I saw was $16.04 at CD Universe. Looks like it's only an import at this time-can you confirm that Linda? Thanks!

Yes. As of this moment it's import-only, with no American release date scheduled.

Which usually means that as soon as you get the import, a domestic release is announced.

And as soon as you buy the domestic version a new remastered and budget priced import version with 5 bonus tracks is announced, which as soon as you buy that a new domestic "on tour" version with additional tracks and live DVD comes out, etc etc etc!!! (sigh)

British rock legends URIAH HEEP will release their first studio album in almost ten years, "Wake The Sleeper", in the U.S. on August 26 via Noise/Sanctuary Records.

Recorded in 2007, "Wake The Sleeper" was produced by Mike Paxman (STATUS QUO, JUDIE TZUKE).

The live arena has been vital to the longevity of URIAH HEEP. So in addition to album sales of over 30 million worldwide the band have toured in 52 countries and established themselves as consummate live performers. The band has a series of impressive firsts including being the first British rock band to play Russia in December 1987.

This is the band's first album without their long-standing drummer Lee Kerslake who sadly had to leave the band due to ill health in January 2007. Filling the drum stool for the very first time is the hugely well respected Russell Gilbrook (TONY IOMMI, VAN MORRISON, JOHN FARNHAM and LONNIE DONNEGAN).

Current band lineup is:

Mick Box - guitar, vocals
Trevor Bolder - bass, vocals
Phil Lanzon - keyboards, vocals
Bernie Shaw - lead vocals
Russell Gilbrook - drums, vocals

"Wake The Sleeper" track listing:

01. Wake The Sleeper
02. Overload
03. Tears Of The World
04. Light Of A Thousand Stars
05. Heavens Rain
06. Book Of Lies
07. What Kind Of God
08. Ghost Of The Ocean
09. Angels Walk With You
10. Shadow
11. War Child

URIAH HEEP's progressive heavy metal made the British band one of the most popular hard rock groups of the early '70s. Formed by guitarist Mick Box and vocalist David Byron in the late '60s, URIAH HEEP released their debut album "Very 'eavy... Very 'umble" in 1970. Since then the band have released 20 studio albums and played to millions of fans across the globe. URIAH HEEP remain one of British rock's most consistent and long-standing acts with album sales of over 30 million worldwide. "Wake The Sleeper" will be URIAH HEEP's 21st studio album.

Good to know-thanks Starz! I changed the heading to reflect the US date.

DanO:
Sorry-never saw your post until now! "Sonic Origami" (1998) was the last studio album and that was one of their most consistent albums they've ever done. Very, very good. The one before that "Sea Of Light" (1995) had some killer moments and some mediocre stuff but for the most part was really good and showed they could still do it after years of crap. The opener on that album "Against The Odds" is so kick-ass it's mind blowing. That song still gives me chills, plus you get a great Roger Dean cover.
"Spellbinder" is a live album with one studio cut. There's been an endless barrage of live releases since 1999, and some are good and feature former members and other guests like Ian Anderson. Others you don't need.
Hope that helps!

... that was fast!