"Wake the Sleeper" is an iconic studio album by the British rock band Uriah Heep. First released on June 2, 2008, the album marked a notable comeback for the band after a decade-long recording hiatus, owing to its being the first album without longtime drummer Lee Kerslake, who had to leave the band due to illness. It is also the first album to feature drummer Russell Gilbrook as his replacement.
"Wake the Sleeper" is considered an embodiment of Uriah Heep’s classic hard rock and prog rock sound, displaying an impressive renewal of energy and creativity. The album was greeted with great enthusiasm by music critics and fans alike, who lauded its vibrant, heavy, and sophisticated tunes that evoked the spirit of Uriah Heep's early work while demonstrating a contemporary edge.
The album opener and titular track, "Wake the Sleeper," is a powerful instrumental that sets the tone for what's to be a thunderous rock ride. Other standout tracks include "Overload," "Tears of the World," and "Heaven’s Rain," showcasing the band's signature heavy guitar riffs and soaring keyboard passages.
Despite the long gap between this and the band's previous studio recording, the album cemented Uriah Heep's relevance in the rock music landscape, proving that the band was back in form and ready to pick up where it left off. Its release was followed by extensive worldwide tours, signalling a new and exciting chapter in the storied career of Uriah Heep.
