Dio--Strange Highways (1994)
Rating--7.6
The mystical, ageless flame that fuels Ronnie James Dio continues to burn
brightly on his seventh solo effort. New fret-shredder Tracy G. takes over the
axe duties (with Zakk Wylde-like precision), with backing bass duties by
Dokken bassist Jeff Pilson. A good all-around album.
Three songs are in
the older/faster Dio vein, while the others feature mid-tempo drums coupled with
lightning quick riffs, showcasing the newer Dio sound of the 90's. "Bring Down The
Rain" is a nice anthem rocker with a concert chorus, and as with all RJD
albums, the title track has a gradual-build intro into a slow grinding riff.
Top highlights include "One Foot In The Grave," "Hollywood Black," and the
raunchy "Blood From A Stone".
HOT CHOPS: Jeff Pilson. His addition to this lineup fits perfectly, as he is non-stop
on the 4-string the entire album. Check out his thump on
"Blood From A Stone" and "Jesus, Mary, & The Holy Ghost".
TRACK LIST: Jesus, Mary, & The Holy Ghost/Firehead/Strange
Highways/Hollywood Black/Evilution/Pain/One Foot In The
Grave/Give Her The Gun/Blood From A Stone/Here's To You/Bring Down The Rain
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