DIO - Dream Evil 12" Vinyl LP Album

- featuring Jimmy Bain, Vinny Appice

Hey there, metalheads! Ever felt the pull of the dark side, the thrill of a riff that sends shivers down your spine? Then crank up Dio's "Dream Evil" and let the nightmare begin! This 1987 gem showcases the master himself, Ronnie James Dio, alongside the thunderous rhythm section of Vinny Appice and Jimmy Bain. It's heavy metal with a touch of the mystical, a journey into a world where dreams and darkness collide.

 

High Resolution Photo #1 DIO Dream Evil

Setting the Stage: Heavy Metal in the Late 80s
Album Description:

Picture this: it's 1987. Hairspray and spandex are in full effect. Glam metal rules the airwaves, but a darker, more visceral force is brewing beneath the surface. Dio, having already blazed a trail with Rainbow and Black Sabbath, is ready to reclaim his throne as the king of heavy metal. "Dream Evil" is his battle cry, a defiant roar against the tide of commercialism.

Musical Exploration: A Fusion of Power and Melody

This album isn't just a collection of headbanging anthems. It's a testament to Dio's mastery of songwriting, his ability to blend thunderous riffs with soaring vocals and intricate melodies. From the opening salvo of "Night People" to the epic closer "When a Woman Cries", "Dream Evil" is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, a sonic journey that will leave you breathless.

Genre-Bending: Not Just Heavy Metal

Sure, this is heavy metal through and through, but Dio wasn't afraid to push the boundaries. There are hints of prog rock in the sprawling "All the Fools Sailed Away", a touch of blues in the soulful "I Could Have Been a Dreamer", and even a dash of gothic darkness in the haunting "Faces in the Window". This is an album that defies easy categorization, a testament to Dio's restless creativity.

Controversies: A Change in Sound

Some die-hard fans cried foul, claiming "Dream Evil" was too polished, too commercial compared to Dio's earlier work. But let's be real, folks. This is still a heavy metal album, just one with a slightly more refined edge. Dio wasn't afraid to evolve, to experiment with new sounds and textures. And that's what makes "Dream Evil" so damn exciting.

The Dream Team: Production and Personnel

Behind every great album is a team of talented individuals, and "Dream Evil" is no exception. The legendary Vinny Appice (formerly of Black Sabbath) pounds the skins with relentless fury, while Jimmy Bain (also ex-Rainbow) lays down a thunderous bass foundation. Craig Goldy's guitar work is a revelation, a perfect blend of technical virtuosity and raw emotion. And of course, there's Dio himself, his voice a force of nature, capable of both spine-tingling screams and heart-wrenching ballads.

Recording Studio: Capturing the Magic

"Dream Evil" was recorded at the iconic Sound City Studios in Los Angeles, a place where countless rock and metal legends have made history. The album's production is crisp and powerful, capturing the raw energy of the band's live performances while adding a layer of studio polish.

Conclusion: A Metal Masterpiece

"Dream Evil" might not be Dio's most iconic album, but it's a damn fine one. It's a testament to his enduring legacy, his ability to evolve and innovate while staying true to his heavy metal roots. So crank it up, let the music wash over you, and experience the power of Dio's "Dream Evil".

Music Genre:

Heavy Metal Hard Rock 

Album Production information:

Produced by Ronnie James Dio

Angelo Arcuri - Producer, Sound Engineer

Allen Abrahamson - Sound Engineer

Charlie Brocco - Sound Engineer

Tom Biener - Sound Engineer

George Marino (1947-2012) - Mastering Engineer

George Marino: legendary mastering engineer behind iconic albums by Metallica, AC/DC, and more. Explore his life and groundbreaking career in music.

Gene Kirkland - Photography

Gene Kirkland has been taking photos for music albums covers (during the 1980s) mainly for DIO, but also for Megadeth and Sanctuary.

Janet Levinson - Art Direction

Margo Chase - Hand Lettering

Steve Huston - Illustration

Wendy Dio - Cover Concept

Record Label & Catalognr:

Vertigo 832 530

Album Packaging:

This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, and photos of Ronnie James Dio and his band.  

Media Format:

12" Vinyl LP Record  

Year & Country:

1987 Made in Holland
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: DIO - Dream Evil
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Ronnie James Dio (1943-2010) - Vocals

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

     

  • Claude Schnell - Keyboards
  • Craig Goldy - Guitars
  • Jimmy Bain (1947-2016) - Bass, Keyboards

    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?

  • Vinny Appice Drums

    Vinny Appice is the younger brother of Carmine Appice. Vinny has played drums in many different bands, together with Ronnie James Dio in "Black Sabbath", DIO (Band), "Heaven and Hell" and in many other bands.

Complete Track Listing of: DIO Dream Evil

The Song/tracks on "DIO Dream Evil" are

    Side One:
  • Night People
  • Dream Evil
  • Sunset Superman
  • All the Fools Sailed
    Side Two:
  • Naked in the Rain
  • Overlove
  • I Could have been a Dreamer
  • Faces in the Window
  • When a Woman Cries
Album cover photos of : DIO Dream Evil

High Resolution Photo #1 DIO Dream Evil

High Resolution Photo Album Back Cover of DIO Dream Evil  

High Resolution Photo #2 DIO Dream Evil

High Resolution Photo of the Original Custom Inner Sleeve (OIS) #1 of DIO Dream Evil  

High Resolution Photo #3 DIO Dream Evil

High Resolution Photo of the Original Custom Inner Sleeve (OIS) #2 of DIO Dream Evil  

High Resolution Photo #4 DIO Dream Evil

High Resolution Close Up Photo of the LP Record Label

High Resolution Photo #5 DIO Dream Evil  

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 )
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)