Wake the Sleeper is the 21st studio album by the rock band Uriah Heep, released on 2 June 2008 in Europe and on 26 August 2008 in the United States. The announced September 2007 release was rescheduled (initially to March 2008) as a result of the purchase of Sanctuary Records by Universal Music.
Uriah Heep – Wake the Sleeper: A Powerful Return to Classic Hard Rock
Arriving after a ten-year gap since Sonic Origami (1998), the album was widely celebrated as a return to the band’s classic hard rock roots, infused with renewed energy and modern production.
The album features a revitalized lineup with Mick Box as the sole remaining original member, joined by Bernie Shaw (vocals), Phil Lanzon (keyboards), Trevor Bolder (bass), and Russell Gilbrook (drums). Musically, Wake the Sleeper embraces the signature elements that defined Uriah Heep’s legacy: heavy guitar riffs, prominent Hammond organ, soaring vocals, and strong melodic hooks, while sounding fresh and contemporary.
Tracks such as “Wake the Sleeper,” “Overload,” and “Shadow” showcase a heavier, more aggressive approach than many of the band’s late-1990s releases, emphasizing confidence, urgency, and emotional intensity. Lyrically, the album addresses themes of awakening, resilience, inner strength, and reflection, reinforcing the sense of rebirth that surrounds the record.
Critically and commercially, Wake the Sleeper was praised for proving that Uriah Heep could remain relevant decades into their career without abandoning their core identity. Today, the album is regarded as one of the strongest post-2000 releases in the band’s catalog and a defining moment in their modern era.
Tracks
All songs written by Mick Box and Phil Lanzon, except where noted.
- “Wake the Sleeper” – 3:33
- “Overload” – 5:58
- “Tears of the World” – 4:45
- “Light of a Thousand Stars” – 3:57
- “Heaven’s Rain” – 4:16
- “Book of Lies” – 4:05
- “What Kind of God” – 6:37
- “Ghost of the Ocean” – 3:22
- “Angels Walk with You” (Trevor Bolder) – 5:24
- “Shadow” (Lanzon) – 3:35
- “War Child” (Bolder, Tony Gallagher) – 5:07
Album Cover
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