Circle Of Hands

The song "Circle of Hands" by Uriah Heep, featured on their 1972 album Demons and Wizards, is a fan favorite known for its powerful blend of progressive rock and heavy metal. According to reviews on ProgArchives, the track stands out for its gospel-meets-Hammond organ intensity, showcasing the dynamic vocal range of lead singer David Byron and the rich keyboard work of Ken Hensley. Fans on the site praise its noble, almost spiritual quality, with one reviewer calling it a "six and a half minute masterpiece" that captures the band's signature sound. The song's lyrical depth, exploring themes of searching and lost love, resonates strongly with listeners, as noted in the lyrics hosted on Lyrics.com. Its emotional delivery and the interplay of melody and volume have made it a staple in the band’s live performances, often cited by fans in the Uriah Heep Fan Club on Facebook as a highlight of the Demons and Wizards era.

Another piece of trivia comes from the album’s production context, as shared in a 2020 interview with drummer Lee Kerslake in Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles. Kerslake mentioned that the newly solidified lineup, including bassist Gary Thain, brought a fresh energy to the recording sessions, with "Circle of Hands" benefiting from Thain’s melodic bass lines. This chemistry, as biographer Kirk Blows noted, made everything "click into place" for the band, elevating tracks like "Circle of Hands" to iconic status. A post on Reddit by user SaintedDemon69 in 2023 also highlights the song’s role in helping fans through personal struggles, underscoring its emotional impact. The track’s progressive edge, particularly in its closing minutes, is often celebrated for showcasing the band’s ability to blend heavy riffs with symphonic textures, as discussed in a RockmusicRaider review.

Uriah Heep began in London in 1969, initially under the name Spice, with core members Mick Box (guitar) and David Byron (vocals). According to their biography on Wikipedia, the band drew inspiration from Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield, adopting the name Uriah Heep in December 1969. Early gigs as Spice continued until keyboardist Ken Hensley joined in February 1970, bringing a Vanilla Fudge-inspired sound with prominent Hammond organ and layered vocals. Box later recalled in an interview that Hensley’s arrival helped widen their sound, moving from bluesy roots to a mix of hard rock, heavy metal, and progressive elements. Their debut album, Very 'Eavy... Very 'Umble, released in 1970, set the stage for their distinctive style, though it was their fourth album, Demons and Wizards, that cemented their legacy, driven by the hit "Easy Livin’" and tracks like "Circle of Hands."

The band faced challenges with lineup changes, but the addition of Gary Thain and Lee Kerslake in 1972 created the "classic" lineup, as noted in a Ultimate Classic Rock article. Despite early criticism from outlets like Rolling Stone, Uriah Heep built a loyal following, selling over 40 million albums worldwide. Their influence spans bands like Iron Maiden and Dio, and they maintain a strong presence in Europe and Japan. Fans can connect with the band through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts. Dedicated fan communities thrive on sites like Uriah-Heep.com and the Uriah Heep Fan Club on Facebook, where "Zoo Freaks" can share their love for classics like "Circle of Hands."