And on the day after the Sabbath...
5 Out of 5 Stars
...Ronnie James Dio created "Holy Diver." Dio was already on a hot streak after pretty much rescuing Black Sabbath for two outstanding albums, but the usual "creative differences" led him to form his own band. He brought white hot Vivian Campbell on as guitarist and nicked Vinnie Appice from the touring Sabbs, along with bassist Jimmy Bain, formed the lineup that recorded this classic album along with almost as incredible "Last In Line."
As most followers had already figured, Dio had a penchant for 'mystical' lyrics about lost souls, dragons, demons and "Rainbow(s) In The Dark." "Holy Diver" is loaded with them, which may have fueled criticism that the album was an aural 80's airbrushed metal van, but time has allowed Dio the room to grow in appreciation. Dio's multi-ranged vocals go from whispers to growls to howls. It's easy to miss just how expressive the guy was as a singer, and there was never a knowing smirk or condescending aside to mark the music as something other than the band's true passion.
Because of this commitment, the songs "Rainbow In The Dark," "Straight Through The Heart," "Stand Up and Shout" and the title track are hard rock classics. Campbell's riffing is every bit as powerful as Dio's singing, matching blow by blow for sheer force. What is missing now is a respectful re-master of this and other Dio albums (perhaps given the same generous treatment Dio's Sabbath era albums have been given). Even with the less than spectacular sound, "Holy Diver" is still an album to be reckoned with.
...Ronnie James Dio created "Holy Diver." Dio was already on a hot streak after pretty much rescuing Black Sabbath for two outstanding albums, but the usual "creative differences" led him to form his own band. He brought white hot Vivian Campbell on as guitarist and nicked Vinnie Appice from the touring Sabbs, along with bassist Jimmy Bain, formed the lineup that recorded this classic album along with almost as incredible "Last In Line."
As most followers had already figured, Dio had a penchant for 'mystical' lyrics about lost souls, dragons, demons and "Rainbow(s) In The Dark." "Holy Diver" is loaded with them, which may have fueled criticism that the album was an aural 80's airbrushed metal van, but time has allowed Dio the room to grow in appreciation. Dio's multi-ranged vocals go from whispers to growls to howls. It's easy to miss just how expressive the guy was as a singer, and there was never a knowing smirk or condescending aside to mark the music as something other than the band's true passion.Because of this commitment, the songs "Rainbow In The Dark," "Straight Through The Heart," "Stand Up and Shout" and the title track are hard rock classics. Campbell's riffing is every bit as powerful as Dio's singing, matching blow by blow for sheer force. What is missing now is a respectful re-master of this and other Dio albums (perhaps given the same generous treatment Dio's Sabbath era albums have been given). Even with the less than spectacular sound, "Holy Diver" is still an album to be reckoned with.
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