Dio--Magica (2000/Spitfire)
Rating--7.6
A full-tilt concept offering from Ronnie James Dio, as the story of 'Magica' is woven within the songs. Many fans have heralded this as a return to the sounds of old for the band (and indeed, the inclusion
of 'Dream Evil'-era guitarist Craig Goldie lends to the nostalgia). However... while there is a fair amount of chunkiness and heavy moments... the songs are simply too slow. There is virtually no speed
or groundbreaking energy, and that is the Ronnie James Dio of old-- the rip of "We Rock," the aura of "Rainbow in the Dark," the crunch of "The Last in Line". So forgive me for not getting too overly
excited about this one. Yes, there are some good songs-- but they are good slow songs.
The chunky "Lord of the Last Day" rears its head at the disc's onset, and a number of solid tunes are spackled thereafter, with "Feed My Head," "Challis," and "Losing My Insanity" being among them.
A little chord groove stands out in "Fever Dreams," and a swaying rhythm is caught in "Turn to Stone". "Eriel" is another good, slow grinder.
The album is closed out by the long, spoken "Magica Story,"
with Ronnie himself narrating you through the tale...
It's good to have you back, bud. Just pick up the pace a little bit, k?
TRACK LIST: Discovery/Magica Theme/Lord of the Last Day/Fever Dreams/Turn to Stone/Feed My Head/Eriel/Challis/As Long As It's Not About Love/Losing My Insanity/
Otherworld/Magica - Reprise/Lord of the Last Day - Reprise/Magica Story
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