Sold Date: August 9, 2024
Start Date: July 15, 2024
Final Price: $69.99 (USD)
Seller Feedback: 3030
Buyer Feedback: 0

DIO Holy Diver hails from 2022 and is a SEALED limited edition 2LP issued on Black Water Swirl vinyl.  After playing a major role in five positively classic heavy metal albums of the late '70s and early '80s (three with 's  and two with ), it seemed that singer  could truly do no wrong. So it wasn't all that surprising -- impressive, but not surprising -- when he struck gold yet again when launching his solo vehicle, , via 1983's terrific  album. Much like those two, hallowed  LPs,  and ,  opened at full metallic throttle with the frenetic "Stand Up and Shout," before settling into a dark, deliberate, and hypnotic groove for the timelessly epic title track -- a worthy successor to glorious triumphs past like 's "Stargazer" and the ' "Sign of the Southern Cross." But subsequent metal anthems like "Straight Through the Heart," "Invisible," and the lycanthrope lullaby "Shame on the Night" were no less inspired; and by injecting uncommonly catchy melodies into the heavy rock riffery still dominating more accessible numbers such as "Gypsy," "Caught in the Middle," and hit single "Rainbow in the Dark" (where the singer himself played rather spotty keyboards),  proved himself perfectly capable of competing with the increasingly commercial hard rock fashions soon to come. Although most fans would agree that  would arguably never again replicate the simply sublime symbiosis of beauty and brawn achieved by the all-time standout "Don't Talk to Strangers." And, to be fair, aside from 's unquestionably stellar songwriting, 's stunning quality and consistency owed much to his carefully chosen bandmates, including powerhouse drummer (and fellow  survivor) , veteran bassist , and a phenomenal find in young Irish guitarist , whose tastefully pyrotechnic leads helped make this the definitive  lineup. So, too, is  still the undisputed highlight of 's career, and, indeed, one of the finest pure heavy metal albums of the 198

Stand Up and Shout

Holy Diver

Gypsy

Caught in the Middle

Don't Talk to Strangers

Straight Through the Heart

Invisible

Rainbow in the Dark

Shame on the Night

Evil Eyes (B-side)