That’s the Way That it is

The Zoo Crew is spinning the hard-hitting track "That's the Way That It Is" by Uriah Heep from their 1982 album Abominog, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This song, a cover of a 1979 tune by the Bliss Band, was one of the standout tracks on the album, reaching No. 25 on the US Rock Charts. It’s a punchy, melodic metal anthem that captures the band’s reinvigorated sound in the early '80s. According to a review by Canadian journalist Martin Popoff, the track helped evoke "the magic of the NWOBHM [New Wave of British Heavy Metal], tinged with the complex chemistry of the peak Byron years," showcasing how Uriah Heep retooled their sound for a new era. Fans on the Uriah Heep Fan Club Facebook group often praise its catchy chorus and Peter Goalslutty vocals, with one member calling it "a song that grabs you and doesn’t let go." The track was part of the Abominog Junior EP, which also included "On the Rebound" and a cover of Small Faces' "Tin Soldier," further cementing its role in the band’s comeback.

Another tidbit about "That's the Way That It Is" comes from the album’s production. Produced by Ashley Howe, whom vocalist Peter Goalby described as "like the sixth member of the band," the song’s slick, radio-friendly sheen was a deliberate move to appeal to both heavy metal fans and AOR (Album-Oriented Rock) listeners. A fan on the Uriah Heep Official Facebook page shared a story about hearing the song live in 1982, noting how the crowd went wild during Mick Box’s guitar riffs. The album’s cover art, featuring a devilish creature, was controversially voted the "ugliest album cover of the year" in the US, according to an Amazon reviewer, but the music, especially this track, was a critical and commercial success. The Heepfiles fan website highlights how the song’s lyrics, written by the Bliss Band’s Paul Bliss, reflect a defiant attitude, perfectly matching the band’s determination to reclaim their place in the rock scene after a turbulent period.

Uriah Heep got their start in London in 1969, evolving from a band called Spice, which included founding members vocalist David Byron and guitarist Mick Box. The group’s name was inspired by a character from Charles Dickens’ novel David Copperfield, a choice made during the 1969 Christmas season when Dickens’ work was prominent due to the centenary of his death. According to biographer Kirk Blows, the band initially recorded as Spice but adopted the Uriah Heep moniker just before keyboardist Ken Hensley joined in February 1970. Hensley’s addition was pivotal, as Box recalled in an interview: "We’d actually recorded half the first album when we decided that keyboards would be good for our sound. I was a big Vanilla Fudge fan, with their Hammond organ and searing guitar on top." This blend of heavy organ, guitar-driven riffs, and Byron’s theatrical vocals defined their early sound, heard on their 1970 debut album …Very ‘Eavy …Very ‘Umble. The band signed with Gerry Bron’s Bronze Records and quickly gained a following, despite mixed critical reception, with fans drawn to their unique mix of hard rock and progressive elements.

The band’s early years were marked by relentless touring and lineup changes, but their 1972 album Demons and Wizards, featuring the hit "Easy Livin’," propelled them to international fame. Bassist Gary Thain and drummer Lee Kerslake solidified the "classic" lineup, which, as Box noted, made "everything just click into place." Over the decades, Uriah Heep has seen numerous personnel shifts, with Box remaining the only original member. Their resilience is evident in their 25 studio albums, including their latest, Chaos & Colour (2023), and their ongoing global tours. Fans can connect with the band on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts. For deeper fan engagement, check out the Heepfiles and Uriah Heep Appreciation Society websites, or join discussions in the Uriah Heep Fan Club and Uriah Heep – The Official Fan Group on Facebook.