Rough Edge: Various Artists: Holy Dio CD Review

VARIOUS ARTISTS

"Holy Dio: A Tribute to Ronnie James Dio" (Century Media)

They're everywhere you look nowadays: A tribute to him, a tribute to her, a tribute to them. Some deserve tributes; some don't. Others it's just kinda cool to hear the disciples play the music of the master.

This is true of "Holy Dio" which features fourteen newly recorded versions of classic songs by one of hard rock's best singers and lyricists, Ronnie James Dio. With his incredible history behind him (being vocalist for Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath and his own band) as well as an excellent new album in stores now ("Magica"), Ronnie James Dio is also very worthy of a tribute.

Nearly every track on "Holy Dio" is played in a virtually note-by-note fashion. Why mess with perfection? And every song is played with reverence and gusto, as well. All in all, it's great listening with Gamma Ray's rendition of "Long Live Rock'n'Roll" and Doro's amazing "Egypt (The Chains Are On)" being standouts. Track listing is as follows:

Steel Prophet - "Neon Nights"
Hammerfall "Man on the Silver Mountain"
Destiny's End - "The Last in Line"
Fate's Warning - "Sign of the Southern Cross"
Gamma Ray - "Long Live Rock'n'Roll"
Doro - "Egypt (The Chains are On)"
Jag Panzer "Children of the Sea"
Blind Guardian "Don't Talk to Strangers"
Axel Rudi Pell "Still I'm Sad"
Primal Fear "Kill the King"
Solitude Aeturnus - "Shame on the Night"
Enola Gay - "Heaven and Hell"
Angel Dust - "Temple of the King"
Catch the Rainbow - "Rainbow Eyes"

What's perhaps most important about "Holy Dio" is the fact that longtime RJD fans can listen to it without cringing. "Holy Dio" is a true tribute album. His music is re-created here with respect and with heart. And it all works very, very well.

For more information, please visit the Century Records website at http://www.centurymedia.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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