Holy Diver, Batman....It's Dio Live in 2005
Sky | New York | 04/20/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This fall performance of the 2005 (that's right...2005!) Holy Diver tour was captured live at London's Astoria. Holy Diver Live features the Holy Diver album in its entirety, from start to finish, recorded live with other Dio, Rainbow and Black Sabbath classics.
Even better....this show will be released on DVD May 30, 2006 in the US according to the band's website. So why buy this CD? Well, one could argue that the performance is a refreshing, revitalized collection of some of the best Dio material making it worthy of having in your car or wherever it is you listen to your music.
I, on the other hand, love Dio's studio work and would much prefer it to the versions on this Live collection. Most of the songs that you want in a Dio collection are here on this CD, and they are all performed superbly (for a guy that's been pumping out screaming Heavy Metal for more than 30 years). But in my opinion the release of the DVD performance of this show replaces entirely the need for ANOTHER Dio live CD.
HOWEVER, the upcoming DVD release is some of the best, most exciting Metal news to come out this year so far.
As I said in my Amazon review of Dio's "We Rock" DVD (a 2005 release of a couple of shows circa 1983), I was hoping that the boys would reunite and record a show with high quality audio/video...Wish granted!!!....Almost.
Missing are Jimmy Bain, Vinnie Appice and Viv Cambell. In are a group of guys with some impressive resumes: Rudy Sarzo on Bass, Simon Wright on Drums, Doug Aldrich on guitar (Craig Goldy was out on injured reserve) and Scott Warren on keyboards.
Regardless, based on how well the songs sound on this CD, the ability to watch Dio do the classics recorded with today's technology (versus the 1983 junk audio/video on We Rock) will be nothing short of a front row seat to the actual performance.
So I'd say if you're a die-hard Dio fan and must have everything he releases then go ahead and hit the buy button for this CD...it's very good. But if you can wait for the true live performance experience of actually seeing what you're hearing and you don't need (more) live versions to listen to on the go, then wait for the DVD on May 30....I have my calendar marked!
"
Holy Shi....!
William Smith | Fontana, CA United States | 04/18/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I got this a day early and paid a premium price, but I guess it was worth it:) The inner sleeve tries to tell a tale of when this was performed but it is hard to follow, it was written so poorly making it appear to either be '95 or '05.
The band:
Best I can figure this was recorded with Doug on guitar in 2005, (though no pics of the guitarist... petty) and it really shines. He really hits the little Viv nuances (I agree, he is VERY Randy Rhoads) and Ronnie sounds like he is devouring the songs whole. Rudy is in there pumping away, sadly he isn't as loud as Jimmy Bain once was, though he's thrice the bassist. I never cared a lot for Simon on drums but he surely gets the job done. I would have preferred all the original members be on board as opposed to ONE member, though when that one member is RJD... whose complaining? :)
The songs:
Hard to go wrong with the flagship Dio disc, not too mention all in order and live with '05 production. I could have done without the opening intro dialogue bits and though Gypsy starts with a howl (what's that all about?) that would make Mike Tramp cringe all in all the songs are great. The second disc was hit or miss for me. It was amazing to hear 'Babylon' live (may be the best here) and of course who would have thought 'One Night in the City' (LiL's hidden gem) would rear its lovely head? Not I! Sadly, we are treated to 'Heaven and Hell' for the umpteenth time while 'Lonely is the Word' and 'Wishing Well' once again wait in the wings. Maybe next time on 'Last in Line Live':)
The conclusion:
I wish I could give this 5 stars but some of the songs aren't as fluent as Viv would have played'em and the song selection isn't all it could have been. The pics are puzzling but after all is said you MUST have this Dio cd for your collection, it is far superior to the shredfest of 'Last in Live' and it gives a little glimpse into what Doug can do, I for one miss his potential even if Killing the Dragon didn't reveal it all. This disc was worth the purchase just to hear 'Invisible' live for the first time since... 1983. I had contemplated just getting the DVD and not this, however... HOLY DIVER + played while driving = Holy Driver:)"
DIO WILL ALWAYS ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ronald L. Miller | Crichton, WV USA | 04/20/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have got to say that this double CD may not be what a lot of people wanted, but I think that it is awesome! DIO's voice is still amazing! Sure, it has its weak moments, but he pushes it to the limit with every song, and this concert is pretty long! Let's see anyone else do this good!
As for the band, just let me say that Doug Aldrich kicks major ass!!!!!!! He totally Rocked in Whitesnake's 'live' DVD, and this is nothing short of amazing! I can't wait to see the DVD version! The rest of the band allow for a strong rhythm section. I am really happy with this release and I think that Ronnie should do "The Last In Line" the same way. That would be really good! As long as Doug is the guitarist. I am not that pleased with Craig Goldy. He's good, but not as good as Doug. Doug reminds me so much of Randy Rhoads.
Highlights are pretty much every song, except for "Gypsy".
Give this a listen! You can't go wrong with this double CD set!"
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1