"The Last in Line" is the second studio album by heavy metal band Dio, released on July 13, 1984. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.
In 1984, the world of heavy metal was forever changed with the release of Dio's second studio album, "The Last in Line". The German edition of this iconic album, bearing the record catalog number Vertigo 822 366, became an instant classic in the hearts of metal enthusiasts across the globe. Filled with powerful performances, masterful musicianship, and captivating artwork, this LP stands as a testament to Dio's enduring legacy in the realm of heavy metal.
A Powerful Duo:
Produced by the legendary Ronnie James Dio himself, the German edition of "The Last in Line" maintained the same creative direction that made the original release such a success. With Dio's unparalleled vision and dedication to his craft, the album promised to deliver an unforgettable listening experience to fans in Germany and beyond.
The Masterful Touch:
The importance of mastering an album cannot be overstated, as it ensures the final sound quality is optimized for vinyl. For the German edition, Dio enlisted the renowned mastering engineer George Marino, who brought his expertise to the table once again. Marino's skilled touch enhanced the album's sonic depth, allowing every instrument and vocal nuance to shine through with clarity and power.
Visual Brilliance:
True to the spirit of Dio's artistry, the album cover design and artwork for the German edition were just as captivating as the original. Fans were treated to a visual feast, courtesy of the talents of the designers involved in creating the cover. The imagery perfectly complemented the album's themes and added an extra layer of mystique and intrigue.
Photographic Magic:
To capture the essence of Dio's performance and persona for the German edition, a team of skilled photographers was assembled. Their task was to immortalize the band's energy and charisma through their lenses, resulting in striking images that showcased the band in all their metal glory. These photos became an integral part of the album's presentation, resonating with fans and leaving an enduring impact.
The Maestros of Metal:
"The Last in Line" owed its legendary status not only to Dio's charismatic presence but also to the outstanding musicians who comprised the band.
Ronnie James Dio, with his powerful and emotive vocals, was the beating heart of the band. His ability to convey raw emotion and his remarkable stage presence cemented his status as one of the most iconic figures in metal history. Although no longer with us, Ronnie James Dio's influence continues to be felt throughout the genre.
Claude Schnell, the master of keyboards, added layers of grandeur and atmosphere to the band's sound. His keyboard arrangements complemented the heavy guitar riffs, creating a captivating and unique sonic experience.
Jimmy Bain, a multi-talented musician who played bass and keyboards, contributed significantly to the band's distinctive sound. His creativity and technical prowess on the bass guitar laid a solid foundation for the band's music.
Vinny Appice, the powerhouse behind the drums, provided the driving rhythm that propelled the band's songs forward with relentless energy. His precise and thunderous drumming style became a defining element of Dio's sound.
Vivian Campbell's guitar work was nothing short of extraordinary. His impressive technical skill, melodic sensibility, and fiery solos elevated the band's music to new heights, making him an indispensable part of the Dio lineup.
The Magnum Opus:
"The Last in Line" featured a collection of timeless heavy metal anthems. Tracks like the eponymous "The Last in Line" and the electrifying "We Rock" have become staples in Dio's live performances, rallying crowds with their potent energy and memorable choruses. The epic and storytelling nature of "Egypt (The Chains Are On)" showcased Dio's ability to craft immersive musical journeys.
Music Genre: Heavy Metal NWOBHM |
Album packaging: This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, and photos. |
Album Production information: Produced by Ronnie James DIO Ronald James Padavona, better known as Ronnie James Dio, was born on 10 July 1942, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He would later become one of the most influential and iconic figures in the history of heavy metal music. Dio's powerful vocals, distinct stage presence, and songwriting abilities earned him the title of the "King of Heavy Metal". Dio's musical journey began in 1957 when he formed his first band called The Vegas Kings, where he showcased his talents as a lead singer. Over the next few years, he went on to perform with various bands, including Ronnie and the Rumblers and Ronnie and the Redcaps. These early experiences helped him develop his vocal skills and stage persona. In 1961, Dio joined Ronnie and the Prophets, a band that gained some local popularity. During this time, he experimented with different musical styles and expanded his repertoire. In 1967, the band changed its name to The Electric Elves and later simply The Elves. As The Elves, they played a blend of rock and blues, laying the groundwork for Dio's future ventures. In 1972, the band transformed once again and became known as ELF. Their music continued to evolve, incorporating elements of hard rock and progressive rock. ELF released three studio albums, showcasing Dio's exceptional vocal range and his ability to captivate audiences. Dio's big breakthrough came in 1975 when he joined the British rock band Rainbow, founded by former Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. With Dio as the lead vocalist, Rainbow gained international recognition and released several critically acclaimed albums. Dio's powerful vocals and poetic lyrics contributed to the band's success, and he quickly became a respected figure in the rock music scene. In 1979, Dio made yet another significant move in his career by joining Black Sabbath, replacing the band's original vocalist, Ozzy Osbourne. With Dio, Black Sabbath released the classic albums "Heaven and Hell" (1980) and "Mob Rules" (1981), which revitalized the band's sound and solidified their place in heavy metal history. In 1982, Dio formed his own band, simply named DIO, and embarked on a highly successful solo career. The band released numerous albums, including the critically acclaimed "Holy Diver" (1983) and "The Last in Line" (1984), which showcased Dio's songwriting abilities and his powerful vocals. Dio reunited with Black Sabbath for a brief period from 1991 to 1992 and again from 2006 to 2010 under the name Heaven & Hell. The band released the album "The Devil You Know" (2009) before Dio's untimely death in 2010. Throughout his career, Ronnie James Dio influenced countless musicians and fans with his distinctive voice, theatrical stage presence, and unwavering passion for heavy metal. His lyrics often explored fantasy and mythology, adding depth and a unique dimension to his music. Angelo Arcuri - Producer, Sound Engineer Rich Markowitz - 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. Barry Jackson - Artwork 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. Neil Zlozower - Photographer Neil Zlozower Neil Zlozower is an American photographer and music industry professional, best known for his work documenting the hard rock and heavy metal scenes of the 1970s and 1980s. He was born on 9 December 1949, in Los Angeles, California. Zlozower started his photography career in the 1970s, working as a freelance photographer for various music industry magazines and record labels. Over the years, he has captured some of the most iconic images of some of the biggest and most influential musicians of the rock and metal worlds, including Mötley Crüe , Van Halen , Guns N' Roses, Slayer , and many more. Zlozower's work has been featured in numerous books, magazines, and exhibitions, and he continues to be one of the most respected and sought-after photographers in the music industry. In addition to his photography work, Zlozower has also been involved in various other aspects of the music business, including album design, marketing, and publicity. He is widely recognized as one of the key figures in the history of hard rock and heavy metal photography. Steve Gerdes - Album Cover Design Wendy Dio - Cover Concept |
Record Label Information: Vertigo 822 366 |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl LP Record |
Year & Country: 1984 Made in Germany |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: DIO - Last in Line |
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Track Listing of: DIO Last in Line |
The Song/tracks on "DIO Last in Line" are
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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.