Holy Diver

Performer: Dio
Engineer: Angelo Arcuri; Ray Leonard
Producer: Ronnie James Dio
Distributor: WEA (Distributor)

Notes: Dio: Ronnie James Dio (vocals, keyboards); Vivian Campbell (guitar); Jimmy Bain (keyboards, bass); Vinny Appice (drums). Recorded at Sound City Studios, Los Angeles, California. Despite recording two hit studio albums with Black Sabbath (1980's HEAVEN AND HELL and 1981's THE MOB RULES) and playing throughout the world to huge crowds, Ronnie James Dio left the band in 1982-the year of his final release with Sabbath, the in-concert LIVE EVIL. As soon as the announcement of his departure was made official, Dio began to put together his first solo project. Joining him were former Rainbow bandmate Jimmy Bain on bass, former Sabbath bandmate Vinny Appice on drums, ex-Sweet Savage guitar hero Vivian Campbell, and newcomer Claude Schnell on keyboards. HOLY DIVER, Dio's band debut, was issued in 1983. The album quickly became a favorite among headbangers worldwide and eventually earned the group platinum certification. The somewhat upbeat sounding "Rainbow in the Dark" was an MTV favorite, while the plodding title track proved to be another standout. Other album highlights include the opening anthem "Stand Up and Shout," "Invisible," and "Don't Talk to Strangers." HOLY DIVER proved that Dio's departure from Black Sabbath had not affected his spirits. In fact, he sounds most inspired here, aided by his new, hungry backing band.

Mojo (Publisher) (p.124) - 4 stars out of 5 - "[O]ld-school metal at its most heroic....HOLY DIVER is a glorious triumph."

After fronting Elf, Rainbow (featuring Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore), and Black Sabbath (after Ozzy Osbourne's departure), legendary vocalist Ronnie James Dio formed a band bearing his own name in 1983. Dio quickly became one of the world's top heavy-metal acts. In the late '80s, lineup changes unsettled the group, but the tenacious frontman persevered, leading Dio into the 21st century still waving its classic headbanging devil flag high.

Click Here for Shipping Options and Policies

Shipping or Dimension weight in pounds: 0.25