I am not sure of the genre, heavy-prog. Who knows?
It at times really frustrates me that Freddie Mercury’s vocal acrobatics are seen as the epitome of histrionic 70’s rock vocals. Those in the know will cite David Byron of Uriah Heep as the true master of the overwrought vocal. Bare chested and operatically inclined in the vocal department he screamed and hollered his way through many a Heep album, living large and I am sure frustrating his bandmates with his behavior.
In the grand tradition of 70’s live albums Uriah Heep’s cleverly titled “Live” album is a monster among lesser creatures. Overblown solos on all fronts extended versions of songs that were already pretty long and David Byron bellowing his heart out across four sides ending with the endless rock’n’roll medley.
Everything says this should be awful but honestly it’s pretty outstanding and a whole lot of fun. Uriah Heep were definitely in the second division of English proto-metal, heavy-prog bands, not always justifiably but they could for sure manage to pomp it up with the best of them. Now let’s face it David could not hold a note like Freddie but he really more than makes up for it with enthusiasm.
It also has a truly awful cover:
timeweleftthisworldtoday 
It IS fun. You are quite right. (Though I can’t stand the medley.)
Yes, the cover is naff, but isn’t there a colour booklet stapled inside?
BTW, for what it’s worth, I’d called Heep heavy prog.
No booklet for me the dangers of the bargain bin. Heavy Prog it is. The medley is an aberration.
And an abomination. But the set is still great fun!
I know its not hip but the extended edition CD is pretty good too.
I suppose you could call it pomp-rock, or anthem-rock … whatever, I also have a sneaking regard for this stuff … a guilty pleasure, you might say.
No guilt involved, one day the true majesty of Heep will be understood.
Wish I could send videos – here’s a link – expect you’ve seen it but new to me just now. https://youtu.be/RdfHizhN2FE?t=171
Never seen that before wonderfully over the top
Classic live album. I love Heep and David’s vocals – definitely an influence on Freddie Mercury, king Diamond and more. He would have been 73 today.
Btw, find a copy with the booklet intact. This packaging inspired Kiss Alive.