A few changes in the Dio camp since 2002’s ‘Killing the Dragon’ with guitarist Craig Goldy returning for his third spell with the band, replacing Doug Aldrich who left to join Whitesnake and Rudy Sarzo (ex-Quiet Riot/Ozzy/Whitesnake) joining on bass. Drummer Simon Wright (ex-AC/DC/UFO) and keyboards player Scott Warren (ex-Keel) complete the line-up along with the main man Ronnie Dio.

Dio’s voice still has the power it has all those years ago on the classic Rainbow albums (and the Elf albums before that!) and as with the ‘Killing the Dragon’ album, the music and lyrical content are classic Dio. Take opener ‘One More For the Road’ which opens with a blistering guitar riff and develops into a classic Dio song in the style of ‘Holy Diver’ or ‘Push’. The title track slows it down and drives along on a rumbling riff and again Craig Goldy shows what a vital part he is to the Dio sound, with massive riffs and fast but not OTT soloing.

‘Shivers’ could easily make radio playlists with its catchy hook. Only ‘The Eyes’ veers from the classic sound with its SFX vocals - this track could easily have been lifted of the ‘Strange Highways’ album. ‘The Man Who Would Be King’ delivers another fine Dio vocal and it starts gently before going into a grinding riff (reminded me of 70’s era Uriah Heep in the music!). Only ‘I Am’ fails to hit the spot for me.

Another fine album from Dio and if you’ve enjoyed ‘Killing the Dragon’ and the classic 80’s albums you will surely enjoy this album. Ronnie Dio has one of the finest voices in rock and long may he continue.

****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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