By late 1982, metal god Ronnie James Dio had already been in two of the greatest bands to ever bless the genre: Black Sabbath and Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow. At this point, Ronnie had just left Sabbath over disagreements in the mixing for the band's live album Live Evil amongst other bubbling tensions. From there he started a new band; recruiting former Black Sabbath drummer Vinnie Appice, former Rainbow bassist Jimmy Bain, and a then unknown Irish guitarist Vivian Campbell. Together they would form the band Dio and release three studio albums together before musicians would start going and coming.
The first of these three albums is Dio's most highly acclaimed solo album to date: Holy Diver. Released in 1983 it keeps much of the themes of fantasy, eloquent wording, and intensity of Ronnie's previous work. However, with Campbell in the mix there was more of a fire to them because the young guitarist was out to prove himself while amongst musicians who were already giants in the heavy metal world at the time. At the same time, he does not copy Tony Iommi or Ritchie Blackmore, making his own iconic riffs and lightning quick solos.
The title track of the album Holy Diver is a staple in the bible of heavy metal. Though the song is slow to start with a synth intro that sounds like wind and electronic keys (goes on almost a minute and a half) it is the perfect way to build suspense for when the band comes in with the iconic riff that metalheads have known and loved for 30+ years. It's a mid-tempo song; perfect to be the kind of anthem that it is. Then of course you can't count out the fact that you have Ronnie singing with the most conviction anyone has ever heard him sing with. Despite the lyrics of the song being quite cryptic, you can tell he means every last one of them with a burning fiery passion from his heavy metal heart.
There are many other memorable and iconic tracks from this album, but one of my personal favorites that is a little off the beaten path is Caught in the Middle. While not a fast song, it does kick things up a little more from Holy Diver; especially with the speedy part of the signature riff that starts the verses. However, what really makes this song special is the vocal melodies and harmonies. Ronnie's voice absolutely sailed and soared above everything going on in the song; like a bird taking flight above clouds in a way. Each plays its part in the scene, but it's the bird (or in this case Ronnie) that captivates you and steals your attention.
Holy Diver is another essential for a metalhead's record collection. There are countless classics on it for you to become acquainted with if you somehow have not already such as Rainbow in the Dark, Holy Diver, Stand Up and Shout, Don't Talk to Strangers, etc. It's heavy, but melodic. It's intense, but captivating. You can't help but feel yourself get wrapped up in the fantastic lyrical portraits Ronnie paints while enchanting you with some of the most heart felt melodies you have ever heard. Add the power, passion, and prowess of the rest of the band and you will find yourself caught in the middle of an album you will have a hard time taking off of repeat.
Holy Diver, by Dio receives 5 out of 5 stars.
Track List:
1. Stand Up and Shout
2. Holy Diver
3. Gypsy
4. Caught in the Middle
5. Don't Talk to Strangers
6. Straight Through the Heart
7. Invisible
8. Rainbow in the Dark
9. Shame on the Night
Buy the album on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Holy-Diver-DIO/dp/B000002KZ1/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426221517&sr=8-1&keywords=Holy+Diver+Dio
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