Track Listing

1. Stand Up And Shout - Dio, Ronnie James Dio
2. Holy Diver - Dio, Ronnie James Dio
3. Gypsy - Dio, Ronnie James Dio
4. Caught In The Middle - Dio, Ronnie James Dio
5. Don't Talk To Strangers - Dio, Ronnie James Dio
6. Straight Through The Heart - Dio, Ronnie James Dio
7. Invisible - Dio, Ronnie James Dio
8. Rainbow In The Dark - Dio, Ronnie James Dio
9. Shame On The Night - Dio, Ronnie James Dio
10. An Interview With Dio - Dio
11. An Interview With Dio - Dio
12. An Interview With Dio - Dio
13. An Interview With Dio - Dio
14. An Interview With Dio - Dio
15. An Interview With Dio - Dio
16. An Interview With Dio - Dio
17. An Interview With Dio - Dio
18. An Interview With Dio - Dio
19. An Interview With Dio - Dio

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8020 in Music
• Released on: 2005-10-03
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Dimensions: .21 pounds
• Running time: 76 minutes

CD Description
Despite recording two hit studio albums with Black Sabbath (1980's HEAVEN AND HELL and 1981's THE MOB RULES) and playing throughout the world to huge crowds, Ronnie James Dio leftthe band in 1982-the year of his final release with Sabbath, the in-concert LIVE EVIL. As soon as the announcement of his departure was made official, Dio began to put together his first solo project. Joining him were former Rainbow bandmate Jimmy Bain on bass, former Sabbath bandmate Vinny Appice on drums, ex-Sweet Savage guitar hero Vivian Campbell, and newcomer Claude Schnell on keyboards.
HOLY DIVER, Dio's band debut, was issued in 1983. The album quickly became a favorite among headbangers worldwide and eventually earned the group platinum certification. The somewhat upbeat sounding "Rainbow in the Dark" was an MTV favorite, while the ploddingtitle track proved to be another standout. Other album highlights include the opening anthem "Stand Up and Shout", "Invisible", and "Don't Talk to Strangers". HOLY DIVER proved that Dio's departure from Black Sabbath had not affected his spirits. In fact, he sounds most inspired here, aided by his new, hungry backing band.

Customer Reviews

WOW!!!!
Ok, lets get a few things sorted first. I am a metal fan and I am a guitar palyer (not that good). I am an ardent fan of 80's metal and some early 90's too.
Having heard a couple of later Dio offerings "Holy Diver" somehow slipped under my radar.
That changed a couple of weeks ago when the remastered version arrived at my door.
It is simply an astounding debut. Little he may be but DAMN! this guy can SING!!!
There is not a bad track on it and to think that guitarist Vivian Campbell (Sweet Savage, Riverdogs, Shadow King and Def Leppard) was just 19 when he recorded this epic just p***** me off even more.
A classic slice of 80's rock (often called "Hair Metal") but alot of people forget that the musicians (mostly) from this era piddle ALL OVER 99% of the guys releasing albums these days. OK, guitar bands may be popular today but it is like comparing a sunday pub football team with Man Utd.
Classic tracks such as Stand Up and Shout, Holy Diver, Caught In The Middle, (the totally awesome) Don't Talk To Strangers and not forgetting Rainbow In The Dark this is well worth a puchase.
Highly Recommended.

An Instant Favourite
I had heard a couple of Dio songs, and was particularly attracted to the top quality guitar playing (usually the basis for deciding which albums I buy). However, after the first track on the album, it was clearly apparent that I hadn't heard their best work, as the star of the show is quite obviously Ronnie James Dio.

Who'd have thought that little old bloke would have such a pair of lungs on him? Easily one of the greatest front men in history; an excellent metal singer, up there with my other favourites such as Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson.

The album rocks hard, in classic, clichéd style (go and watch the video for Holy Diver on YouTube), but what I particularly liked was the elements of immense atmosphere and, at times, the feeling that the songs really had some emotional background to them. Really immersive, and has earned a well respected place in the top end of my collection.

Classic metal
Nothing that anyone else says is wrong- this is a classic metal album, right up there with the best. The notes that accompany this remaster suggest that Ronnie has produced 3- Rainbow Rising, Black Sabbath Heaven and Hell and this offering, Holy Diver. Owning most of the output of these three bands I wholly agree, (but would add "Long Live Rock'n'Roll to the list).
Getting back to the subject, why should you buy this? Basically the songs are great and by the end your head will be shaking and foot tapping. It rocks!
Now the minus- why only 4 stars? Well its about the remaster. To my ears it is particularly clinical and dry, and has a harshness which takes getting used to. I imagine they have tried to update the sound as part of the remaster, but to my ears at least have lost part of the album along the way. Having said that some may prefer the new sound. This genre is in my experience much more enjoyable on vinyl, and Holy Diver is a startling example in support. My vinyl copy of this album is way ahead in terms of listenability and is a much more musical experience. But you can't buy it new on vinyl anymore.