Dio
Holy Diver [Remastered]
(Universal)
The blistering-quick “Stand Up and Shout†opens the sparkling gem of the recently released two-disk remaster of Dio’s 1983 album, Holy Diver. Of course we all know (or should know) the spectacular title track (the second song here) with its spooky key opening and strutting four-on-the-floor beat (great drumming by Vinny Appice). This is truly one of the best Ronnie James Dio biting vocal performances. “Gypsy†and “Caught in the Middle†catch some great Ronnie James Dio singing as well, with the ladder sneaking into commercial metal territory.
“Don’t Talk to Strangers†starts with that obligatory acoustic guitar metal opening from wizard Vivian Campbell. Not the best tune here, but the band does strut well behind Ronnie’s fantastic voice.  Once again Appice commands on “Straight Though the Heart†and those upfront high trilling keys of Jimmy Bain push the hit “Rainbow in the Dark†perfectly. This is another Dio signature tune.
“Shame on the Night†is really the perfect tune here with thrumming Bain bass, Campbell’s guitar noises and Ronnie’s fantastic vocal.
I’m afraid the bonus track of “Evil Eyes†is not so wonderful, but then we get a host of live stuff here. “Stand Up and Shout†is blistering menace, both as the Live B-side from the “Rainbow in the Dark†single and from the King Biscuit Flower Hour in ’83 (though this stuff is of a lesser quality). You basically get the entire Holy Diver album live with a truly fantastic “Man on the Silver Mountain†thrown in as the last tune.
