1983: Dio - Holy Diver

 


I love this album.  This little muthafucka Dio had the perfect mix of unbelievable vocal chops and grit and a flare for being dramatic.  Holy Diver was my first real introduction to Ronnie James Dio.  I went on to check out his Sabbath and Rainbow stuff and it was good.

The songs are thumpin'.  The rhythm section of Vinnie Appice and Jimmy Bain is tight and slammin'.  I love Vivian Campbell's guitar playing.  He is one of my favorite shredders from the 80's based on this album alone!

Some song highlights:

Stand Up and Shout - A great rocker out of the gate, yeah, let's go!
Holy Diver - You may have heard it, a great slow chugging riff, great for slaying dragons!
Don't talk to Strangers - Neato, dynamic song, shredalicious lead guitar!
Straight Through the Heart - One of the best head bobbing songs ever, try not to move some part of your body to this one, I am so glad I listened to this again after many years!
Invisible - Ballsy and these guys just brang it!
Rainbow in the Dark - The biggest hit from Holy Diver, the music video was prob what got me into Dio.  The song is so powerful and you got that trademark 80's keyboard part that just comes up a few times.  The vocals are classic Dio and another great guitar solo!
Shame on the Night - A great moody closer, a nice showcase for bassist Jimmy Bain.

Thanks Dio for taking me on such a magical, mythical, powerful journey through METAL, horns up!
 


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