DIO - Sacred Heart ( 1985, Europe ) 12" Vinyl LP Album

"Sacred Heart" is Dio's third studio album. It was released in August 15, 1985. This release of "Sacred Heart" was made in the Netherlands for European Distribution.

Album Front Cover Photo of DIO - Sacred Heart ( 1985, Europe )
"Sacred Heart," Album Description:

DIO's 1985 album "Sacred Heart," released on 12" vinyl, was a turning point in the band's sound and a defining moment in their history. It arrived as heavy metal enjoyed peak mainstream popularity, with bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest dominating the scene. DIO, always ambitious, aimed to push the genre's boundaries even further.

"Sacred Heart" found DIO experimenting with a slightly more accessible, keyboard-driven sound, and embracing grander theatrics. While tracks like the anthemic "Rock 'N' Roll Children" and the blistering "Stand Up and Shout" maintained their heavy edge, others like "Hungry for Heaven" incorporated catchy hooks and a sheen of commercial polish.

The album's iconic title track was its centerpiece, both musically and visually. Dio's lyrical themes of good vs. evil and fantasy took center stage, accompanied by the now-famous stage show involving a fire-breathing dragon. This shift in presentation proved controversial with some fans who favored the raw power of earlier releases like "Holy Diver."

Despite this, "Sacred Heart" found significant commercial success. The band, featuring the formidable lineup of Vivian Campbell on guitar, Jimmy Bain on bass, Claude Schnell on keyboards, and the powerhouse Vinny Appice on drums, showcased their stellar musicianship. Dio's commanding voice, a staple of heavy metal, remained as potent as ever.

The album was recorded at Rumbo Studios in LA, capturing the energy and ambition of the era. DIO embarked on a massive world tour with an elaborate stage show, further cementing their status as arena rock contenders alongside the era's heavyweights.

"Sacred Heart" marks a fascinating chapter in DIO's history. While it may have alienated some die-hard fans, it expanded their reach and showcased their willingness to evolve. It's a record that reflects the musical landscape of the mid-1980s and showcases the enduring power of Ronnie James Dio's artistry.

Product Information and Collector Notes

 

Album Front Cover:

 

  • The band-name "DIO" is printed in the top-center of the album's front cover
  • The album-title "Sacred Hear" is printed at the bottom center of the album's fron cover.
  • There is no catalognr printed on the front cover.
Album Back Cover

 

  • The bar-code "0 42282 48481 9" is printed in the upper-right corner of the album back coer.
  • Below the bar-code is the catalognr: 824 848-1
  • To the left of the bar-code there is a small Vertigo full-swirl logo
  • Is this catalognr the same as the catalognr on the label
  • In the bottom left-corner there is "Printed in The Netherlands"
  • In the bottom center of the album cover there is "(p) 1985 Phonogram International B.V., The Netherlands, except "Hungry For Heaven" (p) 1985 Warner Bros. Inc, U.S.A. (c) 1985 Warner Bros Records, Inc., U.S.A.
  • In the bottom right there is the Phonogram logo and:
    marketed by
    phonogram
Inner Sleeve
On one sife of the inner sleeve there are band-photos and credits, with song lyrics of "Sacred Heart" on the other side.
Record Label

Record label information:

  • The record labels are green with lettering in black
  • Vertigo Spaceship aka UFO Label
  • There is NO label code
  • The rights society B.I.E.M and Stemra are printed on the right hand side, near 3 o'lcock. Next to it is "Copyright Control" logo.
  • The catalognr "824 848-1" is printed on the left hand side, near 9 o'clock
  • Below the catalognr there is "824 848-1.1" , STEREO 33 1/3 and "MADE IN HOLLAND".

    Note: the "MADE iN HOLLAND" does not appear on all the Dutch releases of of "Sacred Heart"

  • The rim-text is printed in English and runs from 8 o'clock to 4 o'clock.
Production & Recording Information
Producers:

Ronnie James DIO

Sound & Recording Engineers:

Gary McGachan

Recording Location:

Rumbo Studios. Los Angeles California

Mastering Engineer and Location:

Greg Fulginiti , Artisan Sound Recorders, Hollywood. California

Album Cover Design & Artwork:

Jerry McManus ( Art Direction )

Margo Chase ( Hand Lettering )

Robert Florczak ( Artwork )

Steve Gerdes ( Album Cover Design )

Wendy Dio ( Cover Concept )

Photography:

Gene Kirkland

P. G. "Wigan" Brunelli

Music Genre:

Heavy Metal / Hard Rock

Label & Catalognr:

 Vertigo – 824 848-1

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

1985 Made in Holland

Musicians:
  • Ronnie James Dio - Vocals

    Heavy metal legend Ronnie James Dio! His mighty voice and the iconic "devil horns" defined the genre. Here's his story

  • Vinnie Appice - Drums

    Drumming icon Vinnie Appice ruled the 80s. Sabbath, Dio, and more! Get the full story

  • Jimmy Bain - Bass

    Jimmy Bain, the legendary bassist behind Rainbow and Dio, was a force of nature. His driving basslines powered some of hard rock's most iconic anthems. Want to hear more?

  • Vivian Campbell - Guitar
  • Claude Schnell - Keyboards
Tracklisting Side One:
  1. King of Rock and Roll
  2. Sacred Heart
  3. Another Lie
  4. Rock and Roll Children
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Hungry for Heaven
  2. Like the Beat of a Heart
  3. Just Another Day
  4. Fallen Angels
  5. Shoot Shoot
High Resolution & Quality Photos
Front Cover Photo Of DIO - Sacred Heart ( 1985, Europe )
High Resolution Photo #1 DIO - Sacred Heart Europe

Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )

Photo Of The Back Cover DIO - Sacred Heart ( 1985, Europe )
High Resolution Photo #2 DIO - Sacred Heart Europe
Photo of the custom inner sleeve DIO - Sacred Heart ( 1985, Europe )
High Resolution Photo #3 DIO - Sacred Heart Europe
Photo of the custom inner sleeve DIO - Sacred Heart ( 1985, Europe )
High Resolution Photo #4 DIO - Sacred Heart Europe
Close up of the record's label
High Resolution Photo Label DIO - Sacred Heart Europe
Photo Side One DIO - Sacred Heart ( 1985, Europe )
High Resolution Photo #5 DIO - Sacred Heart Europe
Photo of Side Two DIO - Sacred Heart ( 1985, Europe )
High Resolution Photo #6 DIO - Sacred Heart Europe
Index of DIO (The Band) - Vinyl LP Albums Discography
DIO - Holy Diver 12" Vinyl LP
DIO - Holy Diver album front cover vinyl record

Dio's legendary debut album "Holy Diver" arrives in Germany and the Netherlands! This 1983 vinyl LP delivers heavy metal classics like "Holy Diver" and "Rainbow in the Dark."

- Holy Diver (1983, Germany ) - Holy Diver (1983, Netherlands)
DIO - Intermission 12" Vinyl LP
DIO - Intermission album front cover vinyl record

Recorded at the San Diego Sports Arena in 1985 during the "Sacred Heart" tour, "Intermission" served as a sonic testament to the band's intense stage presence and Dio's enduring power as a frontman.

Learn more
DIO - Last In Line (German & Netherlands Releases)
DIO - Last In Line (German & Netherlands Releases) album front cover vinyl record

DIO's seminal album "The Last in Line" arrived in Germany and the Netherlands in 1984. This vinyl LP showcases the band's raw power with iconic tracks like "We Rock" and the album's namesake.

- Last in Line ( 1984, Germany ) - Last In Line ( 1984, Netherlands )
DIO - Lock Up The Wolves 12" Vinyl LP
DIO - Lock Up The Wolves album front cover vinyl record

Released in 1990, "Lock Up The Wolves" emerged at a pivotal juncture in Dio's musical evolution. The album marked a departure from some of his earlier works, as it unveiled a renewed sense of exploration

Learn more
DIO - Sacred Heart (Three European Releases)
DIO - Sacred Heart (Three European Releases) album front cover vinyl record

DIO's iconic third album "Sacred Heart" hit European, German, and Dutch record stores in 1985. This heavy metal masterpiece features hits like "Rock 'N' Roll Children" and the title track. Learn the history of this classic vinyl!

- Sacred Heart (1985, Europe) - Sacred Heart (1985, Germany) - Sacred Heart (1985, Holland)