This is the debut album by American heavy metal band Dio, released in 1983. Vocalist Ronnie James Dio had just finished his first tenure in Black Sabbath, whose drummer Vinny Appice he took with him to put together his own band
This original cover offended churches because it looks as if the monster on the album was killing a Roman Catholic priest.
This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.
In 1983, the heavy metal scene witnessed the birth of an iconic masterpiece that would echo through the ages – Dio's "Holy Diver." This German release of the 12" LP Album Vinyl marked the beginning of a new era for the band and left an indelible mark on the landscape of metal music.
Genesis of "Holy Diver":
Conceived in the crucible of Ronnie James Dio's artistic genius, "Holy Diver" emerged as Dio's debut studio album. Released on May 25, 1983, in Germany, the album introduced audiences to a sonic journey that blended powerful vocals, intricate guitar work, and fantastical lyrical narratives.
Musical Alchemy:
The album's title track, "Holy Diver," stands as a testament to Dio's ability to weave mythical storytelling into the fabric of heavy metal. With Ronnie James Dio's distinctive voice at the helm and Vivian Campbell's guitar prowess, the album became a symphony of metal mastery that resonated with fans and critics alike.
German Release and Impact:
The German release of "Holy Diver" played a crucial role in expanding Dio's reach beyond their native shores. The album's reception in Germany solidified the band's international acclaim, establishing them as a force to be reckoned with in the global metal arena.
Legacy and Endurance:
"Holy Diver" not only marked a milestone in Dio's career but also became a touchstone for future generations of metal musicians. Its enduring legacy is evident in the countless bands and artists who cite Dio's influence on their own musical journeys.
Summary:
Released in 1983, Dio's "Holy Diver" remains a magnum opus in the realm of heavy metal. The German release, in particular, propelled the band to international stardom, leaving an indelible mark on the genre. With its mythical narratives and musical virtuosity, "Holy Diver" continues to resonate as a timeless masterpiece.
Album Description & Collectors information:
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Music Genre: |
Heavy Metal |
Album Production information: The album: "DIO - Holy Diver (DE)" was produced by: Ronnie James Dio This album was recorded at: Sound City Studios , Van Nuys, California , 1983 Angelo Arcuri - Producer, Sound Engineer George Marino (1947-2012) - Mastering Engineer George Marino was a highly acclaimed Senior Mastering Engineer at Sterling Sound in New York City. Born on 15 April 1947, in the Bronx, New York, he became one of the most experienced and influential sound mastering engineers in the world. With his unparalleled expertise, Marino played a significant role in shaping the sound of countless albums across various music genres. From a young age, Marino displayed a deep passion for music and an innate talent for audio engineering. He began his career at Capitol Records in New York, where he worked as a mastering engineer and honed his skills in audio post-production. In 1973, Marino joined Sterling Sound, a renowned mastering facility founded by Lee Hulko. It was here that he would leave an indelible mark on the music industry. Over the years, George Marino mastered an extensive catalog of albums for a wide range of artists and musical styles. His meticulous attention to detail and exceptional ear for sound allowed him to consistently deliver exceptional quality and clarity in his work. He possessed an intuitive understanding of how to enhance the dynamics, balance, and overall sonic experience of each record he touched. During the 1980s, a pivotal era for heavy metal music, George Marino worked on numerous influential albums in the genre. His mastering contributions to these records played a crucial role in shaping the iconic sounds of heavy metal during that decade. Some notable albums he mastered include:
These albums, among many others, showcase Marino's contribution to the heavy metal genre's sonic landscape during the 1980s. His meticulous mastering work ensured that these records had the power, clarity, and impact necessary to captivate listeners and establish their enduring legacies. George Marino's career spanned over four decades, during which he received numerous accolades for his outstanding contributions to the music industry. His expertise and mastery of sound engineering made him a highly sought-after professional, and he worked with a diverse range of artists, including AC/DC, Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Coldplay, and many more. Tragically, George Marino passed away on 4 June 2012, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy as one of the most skilled and respected mastering engineers of his time. His dedication to his craft, meticulous attention to detail, and unparalleled expertise continue to inspire and influence audio engineers and musicians worldwide. George Marino's contributions to the art of sound mastering remain an enduring testament to his extraordinary talent and passion for music. Gene Kirkland - Photography Jerry McManus - Art Direction Mark (Weiss Guy) Weiss - Photography Randy Barrett - Artwork Rick Brackett - Photography Sharon Weisz - Photography Simon Levy - Art Direction Gene Hunter - Original Art Rendering Ray Leonard - Sound Engineer Wendy Dio - Cover Concept |
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Record Label & Catalognr: Mercury 811 021-1 |
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Packaging: This album "DIO - Holy Diver (DE)" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos | |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
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Year & Country: 1983 Made in Germany |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: DIO - Holy Diver (DE) |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "DIO - Holy Diver (DE)" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "DIO - Holy Diver (DE)" is:
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "DIO - Holy Diver (DE)" |
High Resolution Photo Album Back Cover
High Resolution Photo of the Original Custom Inner Sleeve (OIS) #1
High Resolution Photo of the Original Custom Inner Sleeve (OIS) #2
High Resolution Photo of the LP Side One
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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 ) |
DIO was a heavy metal band that emerged in the 1980s as a result of Ronnie James Dio, who had previously been a member of the legendary bands Rainbow and Black Sabbath. Dio's eponymous band quickly gained a reputation for their distinctive sound and powerful live performances, becoming one of the most iconic bands of the era.
The band's signature sound was characterized by powerful, driving guitar riffs, thundering bass lines, and Dio's distinctive vocals. Dio's soaring, operatic voice was a major part of the band's appeal, and helped to set them apart from other heavy metal bands of the time.
The band's debut album, Holy Diver, was released in 1983 and was an instant classic. The album featured some of the band's most well-known songs, including the title track "Holy Diver," as well as "Rainbow in the Dark" and "Stand Up and Shout." The album was a critical and commercial success, and helped to establish Dio as one of the leading figures in heavy metal.
Over the course of their career, Dio released ten studio albums, each showcasing the band's distinctive sound and musicianship. Some of the band's other notable albums include The Last in Line (1984), Sacred Heart (1985), and Dream Evil (1987).
Despite numerous lineup changes over the years, Dio remained a consistent force in heavy metal music throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s. The band's live performances were particularly legendary, and Dio's stage presence and charismatic persona helped to make him a beloved figure among heavy metal fans.
Tragically, Dio passed away in 2010, bringing an end to his remarkable career. However, his legacy lives on through the music of DIO, which continues to be celebrated by fans around the world.