Uriah Heep (band) recording of the album, drummer Alex Napier was replaced by Nigel Olsson, recommended to Byron by Elton John. The debut was not popular with rock critics (especially in the USA where "Rolling Stone" reviewer Melissa Mills infamously promised to commit suicide "if this band makes it") but in retrospect the attitude towards it changed. "Those unfamiliar with Uriah Heep may want to try out "Demons and Wizards" or a compilation first, but anyone with a serious interest in Uriah Heep or the roots of heavy metal will find plenty to like on ..."Very 'eavy ...Very 'umble"," advised critic Donald A.
Heavy metal lyrics way. "Contrary to the notion that heavy metal music glorifies or encourages substance use…, Black Sabbath’s lyrics…weave a cautionary tale of how persistent substance use can hijack free will, become the dominant focus" of the user’s life, and lead to misery. Weinstein states that drugs are not used much as a lyrical theme in metal, because drugs do not "resonate with the power" of heavy metal music (Black Sabbath’s "Sweet Leaf", a song that celebrates marijuana, is a notable exception). Andy Bennett states that the classic era-heavy metal themes of sex, drugs and rock and roll are not present in