Dio--Holy Diver (1983)
Rating--8.6
**U.S. Sales Certification--Platinum**
Ronnie James Dio's first solo effort following stints with Rainbow, Black Sabbath,
and others. It's also probably his finest work, depending on whom you ask. The songs are tight and crisp, with a spectacular
attacking guitar sound from a very young Vivian Campbell. At the time, Campbell was at the tender age of 19. Yeah,
whatever---the kid shreds!!. RJD has always had the knack of finding those diamonds in the rough...
Dio's voice is
powerful and majestic, and the songs speak of rainbows, swords and sorcery, and spells and potions. The music is heavy and
dark, which along with Dio's voice makes it quite the atmospheric metal experience. Campbell's style employs lots of harmonics
and notes, with mesh well with standard power chords. Very advanced for the day; a nice mix of power metal and gothic
mysticism.
Song highlights include "Gypsy," "Don't Talk to Strangers," "Rainbow in the Dark," "Invisible," and
the title song.
HOT CHOPS: "Rainbow" is a true epic, with its mystical, building keyboards and guitar work. "Gypsy" is a
straight-out rocker, and Ronnie really gives his all throughout the entire song.
TRACK LIST: Stand Up and Shout/Holy Diver/Gypsy/Caught in the Middle/Don't Talk to Strangers/Straight
Through the Heart/Invisible/Rainbow in the Dark/Shame on the Night.
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