Customer Reviews

Holy Diver

5 star:		(72)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Dio's first solo album

Holy Diver was Dio's first solo attempt. Dio had already made albums with some of the finest musicians of the seventies such as Ritchie Blackmore and Black Sabbath. Dio was already a metal veteran by the time he started his own solo career. He gave his fans edzactly what they wanted with Holy Diver. This is a powerful album. Holy Diver is hailed as his best solo work. Highlights Include; Stand up and Shout, the title track and Straight Through The Heart

This Album is a killer from Stand Up and Shout to Shame on the Night all the songs are crazy. My aunt gave me this tape to get me into some good music and I've never heard anything better. Back to the Album.

Stand Up And Shout 4/5
wonderful beggining track really upbeat

Holy Diver 4/5
The title track is a killer wonderfully written lyrics and great vocals

Gypsy 4/5
The opening is the best it almost sounds like an ACDC song.

Caught In The Middle 3.5/5
Leaning Towards one of my least favorite songs on the cd but still a wonderful song

Don't Talk To Strangers 5/5
Slow music soft and quiet in the beggining then BAM Dio breaks in with his high pitched voice loud and clear.

Straight Through The Heart 5/5
All I can say about this song is that it's wonderful you gotta listen to it.

Invisible 5/5
Favorite Song just fantastic.

Rainbow In The Dark 5/5
Classic Song This one will go down in history.

Shame On The Night 3/5
Not really that great but its still not that bad.

All together this album is probably Dio's best.

This album, which was released in 1983 following Ronnie James Dio's departure from Rainbow, is still considered today to be one of the greatest heavy metal records ever released. What can be said about Dio that hasn't been already? Great songs and excellent musicianship throughout the record. This holds up well against ANYTHING that Ozzy Osbourne ever did in his solo career (and yes, that includes Blizzard of Ozz). Very highly recommended, especially if you like classic metal. If you like nu metal, give this a spin and see how the pros do it. It will make you wish you had never heard of Limp Bizkit.....

Ronnie James Dio, believe it or not, has been around the music industry for several decades, starting with his "blues" period in the 50s (his real name is actually Ronald Padavona). He had fronted a blues-rock band called Elf for some time, in which the band merged with guitarist Ritchie Blackmore to form the band Rainbow (minus Elf's original guitarist, of course). After a falling out with Blackmore, he had joined Black Sabbath, replacing the legendary Ozzy Osbourne. His stint with them proved quite fruitful, but a falling out proved inevitable with the band's guitarist Tony Iommi and after their "Live Evil" album, Dio departed. From there, it was only inevitable that he would he would put out his own disc, and in 1983, "Holy Diver" was born. Dio's original lineup consisted of ex-Rainbow bassist Jimmy Bain (who would later depart and return currently), ex-Black Sabbath drummer Vinnie Appice, ex-Black Sabbath keyboardist Claude Schnell, and guitarist Vivian Campbell.

And before I begin the meat of this review, this album DESERVES the 5 stars I give it. Usually I'll give an album 5 stars if I really like the album despite one average or bad song. This, however, is different because every track presented here is nothing less than an A. So I'm not bothering with a grade rating for each song this time around.

The album starts off with a straight-em-up rocker aptly titled Stand Up and Shout. This easily sounds like something that could've been in Rainbow, although a little on the heavier side. Easily a headbanger! Next up is the title track, Holy Diver, and this is one of the hits from the album. Starts off with a calm keyboard segment, but bursts into a midpaced rocker with one of the most memorable guitar riffs in heavy metal history. Actually, the whole groove of the song is catchy anyway. This is actually the first song I've ever heard from Ronnie James Dio. Track 3 is Gypsy, one of the heaviest rock songs from the album. It also sports a fine guitar solo by Vivian Campbell. This is actually my favorite song presented here! Track 4 is Caught in the Middle which is similar to Holy Diver in its catchiness. Guitar crunches and wailing vocals mostly inhabit this particular song (not that the album doesn't already have them everywhere). CATCHY. Track 5 is a strange one: Don't Talk to Strangers. Starts off mellow with acoustic guitars, but that QUICKLY turns into a FAST rocker. At first, I was a little put off by it, but after excessive listenings, it's one of my all-time favorites (I also LOVE the guitar solo here). Track 6 is a semi-famous one, Straight Through the Heart. This one's anthem-like in its structure, sounding like something Judas Priest would create. Track 7 is Invisible, the album's mellowest song. This sounds like something later in Dio's career, ala "Sacred Heart" or "Magica." Dio's vocals sound similar to Dee Snider of Twisted Sister here. When I say "mellowest," I'm not saying it doesn't rock; it just happens to be the least heaviest. It's still catchy and still heavy, which is all good. Track 8 is his big hit Rainbow in the Dark. Great song with some of Campbell's finest guitarwork. The final track, Shame on the Night, which starts off rather modestly with a wolf howl and a crunchy guitar riff. As I've said like a broken record in this review, that QUICKLY changes. This one's also very anthem-like. This one's among the heaviest on the album and it perfectly ends the album (also sports another great solo).

I think most metalheads---at least the casual fans, because any true metalhead knows of Ronnie James Dio---tend to forget about Dio and the influence he has made on heavy metal. Dio is among the gods of metal with one of the most recognizable voices to ever grace our stereo speakers. His later albums are still excellent, but this one's probably the best Dio album out of them all. It's a shame, though, that Campbell stayed on for only three albums; it makes me wonder why he's comfortable playing just rhythm guitar for sell-out band Def Leppard. Oh well. Metalheads, do yourself a favor and purchase one of the all-time classic metal platters to have EVER been produced. You owe it to yourself, your ears, and your head. Hail to the dragonslayer!

I would rate this cd in the top ten metal cds of all time. After Dio's departure from Rainbow he formed this kick ass outfit of Jimmy Bain on bass, Vivian Campbell on guitar, Vinnie Appice on drums and long time keyboardist Claude Schnell. A total new direction for Dio as this release has a darker and harder sound but with melody as well. Vivian Campbell is all over this cd with incredible guitar playing and the rhythm section of Bain/Appice lays the groundwork for an incredible sonic outburst. Add Claude Schnell's keyboards and of course the powerful voice of metal music legend Ronnie James Dio and you have a metal masterpiece. It's amazing but if you listen to Dio's recent work his voice has remained fairly the same throughout the years. "Rainbow In The Dark" was one of the first hard rock/metal videos to be played on MTV but this whole cd rocks from start to end. Dio and company at one of their finest musical moments. Albums like these come once in a lifetime and that's why I put this in my top ten of all time. Ahead of their time!!!!Too bad Vivian is now laying down "cheese" with Def Leppard while Ronnie continues to be a force in the metal industry well into the new century! Next time you are in Cortland, NY go check out "Dio Way" St.

With the passing of legend Ronnie James Dio, I thought it would only be fitting to write a review about the debut album of his solo career. While there's not enough words to truly describe the sadness I feel of his passing, I can at least find some confort in the fact that his legacy we'll forever live on through everything he offered to the Metal community. Holy Diver not only stood the test of time but is also a standart of what a great Metal album should sound like. Already in his forties when he released this album, Dio's voice as always sounded just as strong throughout his career. This abum is a perfect example of, not only his talent as a singer but, his talent as a song writer as well. Every songs on Holy Diver is at the near-perfection point. From the title track to Gypsy to Stand Up & Shout as well as Rainbow In The Dark (just to name a few), you can't help it but have chills up & down your spine when you hear the quality of the songs as well as Ronnie's powerful vocals. If you're a true Metal fan, then you already have Holy Diver in your collection; but if you're a new comer to the Metal realm this album is the best education you can get. Like so many Metal fans around the world, I'm crushed & hurt that Ronnie lost his battle to cancer as he always sounded timeless & ageless, but his spirit will forever live on in our hearts & through his music. R.I.P. DIO!!!

I found out that RONNIE JAMES DIO passed away yesterday, and I've been playing everything he ever recorded with Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio, & Heaven and Hell since I heard the news. I was fortunate enough to see him in concert a total of 10 times in a 25 year span; 1982 with Black Sabbath on the "Mob Rules" tour, 1986 on the "Sacred Heart/Intermission" tour, 1988 on the "Dream Evil" tour & 1990 on the "Lock up the Wolves" tour, all with his band Dio...1992 with the reunited Black Sabbath on the "Dehumanizer" tour (my good friends Slik Toxik opened for them), 1997 on the "Angry Machines" tour, 2000 on the "Magica" tour, 2002 on the "Killing the Dragon" tour & 2003 on a triple bill with Iron Maiden & Motorhead, again, all with Dio. The last time I saw the greatest rock vocalist of all time was on March 22, 2007 when he once again reunited with Black Sabbath, under the new name of Heaven and Hell. I have all of his recordings on CD, more than half of them also on vinyl AND cassette! When I first heard "Holy Diver" in May 1983, I knew it would be a classic! It still stands the test of time 27 years later! Every song on it is stellar, and it's by far my favourite of all time!

R.I.P. RONNIE JAMES DIO. Your music was a VERY BIG part of my life...through the good and bad times. You will be missed dearly.

After increasing tensions with Black Sabbath,then vocalist of the band Ronnie James Dio quits the band and brings Vinnie Appice with him to start working on his solo project which would be simply titled "Dio".After recruiting bassist Jimmy Bain and guitarist Vivian Campbell the band made the songs that would become part of "Holy Diver" released in 1983.With mere reflection I think the albums Dio did with Sabbath were good but I am certainly glad that he left to have a solo career,if he had stayed we would not have gotten "Holy Diver","Dream Evil" and that other great stuff he did.This is his first solo album and he produced it himself,it might sound crazy but not for Dio the guy was already a veteran of the rock scene by that time having played with Rainbow,Elf and Sabbath.He also recorded a few albums prior and knows what's good.There are many fan favourite songs here and some of Dio's best material ever.The musicians reunited for the album did their job very well and there is absolutely nothing to complain about on that point,the guitars are excellent,so is the bass,Vinnie does a solid performance on drums and Dio as usual is the ultimate vocalist.

Holy Diver is full of classics,the album itself is a classic and one of my personnal favourite albums of all time.Not a bad track to be found here,everything top notch.Dio really did what he wanted to do and proved he was right by doing so."Stand Up And Shout" as the opening track is killer and is fast-paced with great vocals.You know that its going to be heavy(more than his Sabbath stuff to say the least)and it keeps getting better."Holy Diver"(it was featured in an episode of South Park in the third season,just tought I'd add that in),the title track,the song that made me buy this album in first place.Slow,heavy and its got a killer riff.One of the best songs in metal for sure,its deserved its place there."Gypsy" follows up.It is considerably weaker but still a very good song definatly not horrible,has its moments."Caught In The Middle" is said to have a pop feel to it but I don't think so.The song is pure metal and once the riff starts you're in for quite a ride,quite a catchy chorus and one of my favourite Dio songs."Don't Talk To Strangers" is amazing.It starts very slow like a ballad with Dio singing in a very soft voice and then,BOOM!It suprises you with a heavy part,then goes into a powerfull metal song and it has another ballad part for great harmonies,very good songs not much to say about it,very solid."Straight To The Heart",kinda like caught in the middle,quite catchy and a great song."Invisible" has thoughtfull lyrics,but it is overshadowed by the rest of the album."Rainbow In The Dark" is simple yet so good!Its is definatly one of the greatests metal songs ever done.The harmonies and the metal at the same time is incredible,one of the fans most loved songs and a classic,it was a single also.The album closes with "Shame On The Night",with its group chanting.Good,but a weaker song,not much to add.

One of Dio's best albums if not THE best he ever made.Its everything Rock,Metal and Heavy-Metal fans could possibly want : great riffs and guitars,terrific songs,great writting,awesome singing and all.It ain't exactly a various album but all song sounds different from each other while staying in the same style.Ronnie ain't real tall at 5'4 but that doesn't prevent him from having this amazing voice,once of the best in all of rock'n'roll in my opinion and you can bet that he makes full use of it.

Not much left to say except you should really do yourself a favor and buy this album.It is essential to your collection and you will be glad you got it.Dio has been amazing once more,he was great in all those other bands he's played in and hasn't disapointed anyone at all.In fact this first solo effort focused him to make even more solo albums(which are also recommended checking out if you liked this one,"Last In The Line","Dream Evil" and a few others are also very good!).This is one of the crowning achievements in the career of Ronnie James Dio,the musicians who played on it were very good too!Highly recommanded I give the highest rating possible(trust me if there were a zillions stars it would still getn it),5 stars.Metal is not about being perfect but these guys pretty much were!

Literally every track on this album is a standout track. There's nothing left to be said about this cd that has not already been said. Dio's voice is inredibly powerful and booming, and Vivian Canmpbell's riffs and solos are catchy and fits the music perfectly. He's probably the first heavy guitarist Dio has ever worked with too. (Ritchie Blackmore had more of that 'classic rock' light guitar and Toni Iommi, while I still love the guy, his guitarist was more sludgey and simple while Vivian used pinch harmonics to and a really heavy tone to give his guitar that bit of edge) All in all, this album is simple mind blowing.

wow this certainly an amazing album yet at the same time the [worst] thing i have ever heard in my entire life. this album is sooo bad yet sooo good at the same. its one of those things thats just so bad and so wierd that its hilarious and impossible not to like. there is no way i could ever see anyone takeing this album seriously (and if they did i would deffinaly be laughing)but who cares about takeing it seriously not all music is serious. the highlights of the CD are 'holy diver' obviously dio's 15 minuts of fame, and 'rainbow in the dark' wich can be interpratied in more than one way hahahaha (possibly dio's true repressed feelings) ...