Uriah Heep : Demons And Wizards A1 / B1 1st Press

This first pressing plays to a superb standard with only very minimal 'background' in 2/3 sections.  There are no loud clicks or pops and the clarity and definition of the audio is very impressive.  S1 plays with stunning quality and S2 only has a little static during the quieter sections on the final track.

The gatefold is in great condition with very little wear but the lyric inner does have some wear which is described below.

A genuine first pressing has STEREO on the right side of the labels and of course the A1/B1 matrix.  This is one of the first off the 'printing press' as it has the first known R1/A1 stampers.

With international shipping (including Europe now) I will declare a lower amount so as to decrease/avoid any Customs' fees.

ILPS 9193 // A - 1U / B - 1U // R 1 / A 1

The audio on S1 is Near Mint (Mint- for the majority)

The audio S2 is Near Mint (Mint- for the majority / T4 ranges between Ex+ and Near Mint) 

The gatefold is Ex+

The labels are Near Mint-
The lyric inner is VG
Visual grading

The vinyl is in excellent condition and still retains a very strong glossy sheen.  There are no marks or scratches on either side but there are some faint hairlines which have no affect on the audio.  The run out grooves are super clean and the Bronze labels have only a few small 'specks' on them.

Play grading

The acoustic intro on the 'The Wizard' plays beautifully with barely any static and the first verse has only a couple of light static sounds at the end of the fourth line.  From then on there is no interference and the playback is stunning.  The audio is so 'clean' and precise and that includes the fade out also.  This is definitely a track that grades between Near Mint and Mint-

The 'high octane' intro on 'Travelling In Time' is 'as new' and the first verse has only a couple of minor static ticks at the start, you could easily miss them!  It continues to play with such dynamic audio and with no intrusion at all.  The instrumental end section is flawless and I truly believe a Mint- grade is deserved here.

'Easy Livin' plays with 'high end' energy from the get go and the more I play it the more impressed I am!  Such a powerful track and yet there is no distortion whatsoever, just pure unadulterated power from start to finish.  Mint- for sure.  Wow!

The intro on 'Poet's Justice' plays perfectly and the same can be said for Byron's first vocal.  It continues in the same way with no ticks, clicks or pops and no static either.  Perhaps just a hint of distortion during the raucous instrumental near the end but nothing that intrudes on the 'listen'.  The final vocal again has no 'background' and will grade as Mint- once more.

'Circle Of Hands' plays with great clarity from the very first groove.  This entire opening section plays so clearly with barely any static and the first verse is 'as new' without doubt.  It continues to play with very impressive audio - there is no actual intrusion on the audio but I would say there is a little inner groove distortion.  This is of course common with this track so overall I will grade as Near Mint - however it can still be played loud, you don't need to turn it down!  The powerful end section is a prime example of that, it sounds great and deserves a full blast!

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The intro on 'Rainbow Demon' plays very clearly with hardly any static and the first verse could not play any better.  The second is equally as good and the first chorus is outstanding!  This standard is kept up as the track progresses and I cannot overstate just how good the audio is here.  The clarity, depth and power is so impressive and, as per usual, there is no interference.  There are a handful of light static ticks at the end of the fade out but hey the track has practically finished by then!  This grades between Near Mint and Mint- it is a stunning version.

'All My Life' is immense from the word go!  The power and depth throughout is so strong and this track really shows off Byron's vocal gymnastics rather well.  Mint-

There are a couple of clicks/crackles in the dead wax but the acoustic intro on 'Paradise' plays so clearly with only a very small number of light static ticks right at the start.  The majority of this section plays with perfect clarity and this continues into the first verse.  There is one very light click in the middle section but overall the sonic quality is exceptional and has that 'shop fresh' sound.  In fact the entire end section is sublime - the audio is so deep and powerful, never heard better.  I will grade as Near Mint but...the majority is 'as new' without question.

The segue into 'The Spell' plays perfectly and continues to play with great clarity and power.  There is one light click at the end of the third verse and a little static during the piano section but as the volume increases the audio is so strong - this entire instrumental section is sensational!  There is only minimal static during the next piano piece and from then on plays with stunning precision and power.  A couple of crackles in the next piano section and then the final section is close to perfect with no intrusion.  A modicum of inner groove distortion that is all.  This classic closing track ranges between Ex+ and Near Mint but more of the latter.  A fine way to end the album.

In summary this first pressing plays with wonderful audio for the vast majority.  There is only very minimal 'background' and there are certainly no loud clicks or pops.  50 next year don't forget!  The clarity and definition of the audio on both sides is very impressive indeed.

The Gatefold & Lyric Inner

The cover is in excellent condition with only very minimal wear.  The edges have barely any rubbing and the wide spine is near perfect with only very minimal corner wear.  The other corners have just a little more wear but again is only minor and the opening edge has just a little handling wear.  The front cover is incredibly clean with just one faint white 'line' top right and the back cover has just one minor crease top left and a hint of ringwear near the top edge.  The inside of the gatefold is close to perfect with just one very faint mark.  It is in great shape overall when you consider it isn't laminated and it has also lost none of its original shape.

The lyric inner does have a split on the bottom edge, some rubbing on the edges and a little creasing plus a little ringwear so isn't the cleanest but it's obviously good to have it.  There is also a little marking at the top of the thumb notch on the inside of the sleeve.

Play tested on my Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable / B&W 684 Speakers

This record has been cleaned on a Pro-Ject VC-S machine

ILPS 9193 // A - 1U / B - 1U // R 1 / A 1

I grade according to "Record Collector" guidelines.

Any questions please feel free to ask

Please pay within 4 days of auction end

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Postage & Packaging

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