Dio's "Sacred Heart" ain't no church hymn, it's a metal mass! Ronnie James Dio conjures demons and angels alike on this 1985 vinyl. Synthesizers duel with shredding guitars, creating a soundscape both ethereal and ferocious. This European pressing captures the essence of Dio's bombastic ambition – a whirlwind of power ballads, headbanging anthems, and mystical storytelling. Crank it up and let the ritual begin.
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.
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Record label information:
Note: the "MADE iN HOLLAND" does not appear on all the Dutch releases of of "Sacred Heart"
Ronnie James DIO
Gary McGachan
Rumbo Studios. Los Angeles California
Greg Fulginiti , Artisan Sound Recorders, Hollywood. California
Jerry McManus ( Art Direction )
Margo Chase ( Hand Lettering )
Robert Florczak ( Artwork )
Steve Gerdes ( Album Cover Design )
Wendy Dio ( Cover Concept )
Gene Kirkland
P. G. "Wigan" Brunelli
Heavy Metal / Hard Rock
Vertigo – 824 848-1
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1985 Made in Holland
Heavy metal legend Ronnie James Dio! His mighty voice and the iconic "devil horns" defined the genre. Here's his story
Drumming icon Vinnie Appice ruled the 80s. Sabbath, Dio, and more! Get the full story
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?
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'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."
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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.
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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.
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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
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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)