Dio--Intermission (1986)
Rating--7.5
The first live work from Dio (the band), coming out right on the heels of 'Sacred Heart'. For all practical purposes an EP,
containing five live tunes and one studio track. Two absolute standouts: "Rainbow in the Dark" and "Sacred Heart."
The first is like a rip-roaring version of the original, in that it's not bound by early-eighties production, and Vivian Campbell is
given free rein to ride the guitar neck in full force. A lot like the version of "Shot in the Dark" off of Ozzy's
'Just Say Ozzy'---it just breathes more than the original.
On "Sacred Heart," you have the same energetic effect applied
to a grinding, groove-beat staple. Again, better than the original.
"We Rock" is also featured, from the album 'The Last in
Line,' and while good, it just doesn't stand out as much as the other replays.
Ronnie James, of course, shines as always. The
new studio track, "Time to Burn," really isn't anything special. It shares a sound similar to that on the 'Sacred Heart' disc, as it's a mid-tempo
tune without a whole lot of flash.
In any case, if you can find this on CD snatch it up. Definitely worth it for "Rainbow" and "Sacred."
TRACK LIST: King of Rock and Roll/Rainbow in the Dark/Sacred Heart/Time to Burn/Rock N' Roll Children (Includes medley of
"Long Live Rock N' Roll" and "Man on the Silver Mountain")/We Rock
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