Dio Holy Diver Live

Ronnie James Dio’s fans hold a special place in their hearts for 1983’s Holy Diver, the album that introduced Dio’s eponymous band to the world. Within metal culture, that album has become a symbol for integrity within a musical world that changes very quickly. This full-length performance of Holy Diver took place in London in October 2005—more than 20 years after its release. Though original members Vinny Appice and Vivian Campbell weren’t part of the reunion, their younger replacements nail the prowling attitude of “Straight Through the Heart” and add low-end growl to “Rainbow in the Dark.” Some longtime fans have even opined that Doug Aldrich’s solo on “Holy Diver” surpasses the one Campbell played on the beloved original. As for Dio himself, what he lacks in technical agility—after all, he was 60 at the time of recording—is compensated for by pure attitude. At every line he's lusty and snarling, and not for one second does he seem bored or jaded. This album shows the reasons he'll always be king to metal’s true believers.