Uriah Heep – Conquest

Uriah Heep – Conquest

Released in 1980 on Bronze Records, Conquest captures Uriah Heep at a pivotal moment in the history of one of British hard rock’s most enduring bands. Their thirteenth studio album arrived during a period of considerable change, introducing vocalist John Sloman and drummer Chris Slade as the group explored a more contemporary, streamlined rock sound while retaining the melodic instincts and keyboard-driven character that had helped define their earlier work.

Recorded at Roundhouse Studios in London in 1979, Conquest features the established partnership of guitarist Mick Box, bassist Trevor Bolder and keyboard player Ken Hensley alongside the new rhythm section and vocalist. The result is an album that bridges Uriah Heep’s classic seventies hard rock foundations with the more polished, commercially oriented production that was becoming increasingly prominent as the eighties approached.

Across its eight tracks, the album balances muscular guitar work, prominent keyboards, melodic vocal arrangements and carefully structured songwriting. The opening track, “No Return”, sets the tone, while “Imagination” and “Feelings” showcase the compositional contribution of Hensley. “Fools”, written by Bolder, adds another dimension to the album’s songwriting, and the second side moves between the determined drive of “Carry On”, the melodic rock of “Won't Have To Wait Too Long” and “Out On The Street”, before closing with “It Ain't Easy”.

Conquest also occupies an interesting place in the band's history. It followed Fallen Angel (1978) and preceded Abominog (1982), documenting a transitional period before another major change in Uriah Heep’s musical direction. Its shifting line-up and departure from aspects of the band's earlier sound have made it a particularly interesting chapter for listeners exploring the group's full catalogue.

For fans of classic British hard rock, vintage seventies rock moving into the eighties, and the evolving sound of Uriah Heep, Conquest offers a fascinating snapshot of a band adapting to a new era without abandoning its melodic foundations. It deserves consideration both as part of the group's wider discography and as an album from a distinctive period in British rock history.

Tracklist

Side A

• A1 – No Return

• A2 – Imagination

• A3 – Feelings

• A4 – Fools

Side B

• B1 – Carry On

• B2 – Won't Have To Wait Too Long

• B3 – Out On The Street

• B4 – It Ain't Easy