DIO - HOLY DIVER - German release 12" Vinyl LP Album

  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.

 

Large Hires Front Cover Photo of Holy Diver

"Holy Diver" Album Description:

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.

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 StudiosVan Nuys, California , 1983

Angelo Arcuri - Producer, 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

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

Record Label & Catalognr:

Mercury 811 021-1
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

Year & Country:

  1983 Made in Germany
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: DIO - Holy Diver (DE)
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • 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

  • Vivian Campbell Guitar
  • Jimmy Bain 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

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

Complete Track-listing of the album "DIO - Holy Diver (DE)"

The detailed tracklist of this record "DIO - Holy Diver (DE)" is:

    Track-listing :
  1. Stand Up and Shout (Ronnie James Dio, Jimmy Bain) 3:06
  2. Holy Diver (Dio) 5:51
  3. Gypsy (Dio, Vivian Campbell) 3:39
  4. Caught in the Middle (Dio, Vinny Appice, Campbell) 4:14
  5. Don't Talk to Strangers (Dio) 4:53
  6. Straight Through the Heart (Dio, Bain) 4:31
  7. Invisible (Dio, Appice, Campbell) 5:24
  8. Rainbow in the Dark (Dio, Appice, Bain, Campbell) 4:21
  9. Shame on the Night (Dio, Appice, Bain, Campbell) 5:20
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "DIO - Holy Diver (DE)"
 

High Resolution Photo #1 DIO Holy Diver Germany

High Resolution Photo Album Back Cover  

High Resolution Photo #2 DIO Holy Diver Germany

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

High Resolution Photo #3 DIO Holy Diver Germany

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

High Resolution Photo #4 DIO Holy Diver Germany

High Resolution Photo of the LP Side One  

High Resolution Photo #5 DIO Holy Diver Germany

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High Resolution Photo #6 DIO Holy Diver Germany

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)