It's 1985, the hair metal hordes are at the gate, synthesizers are infiltrating everything, and MTV's turning rock stars into pretty boys. But in the midst of this pop-infused chaos, Ronnie James Dio and his band of hellraisers deliver "Sacred Heart," a slab of pure, unadulterated heavy metal thunder.
Recorded at the legendary Sound City Studios in Los Angeles, this German pressing is a sonic time capsule, capturing a band at the peak of their powers. Produced by the mad scientist himself, Ronnie James Dio, alongside the steady hand of Angelo Arcuri, "Sacred Heart" is a testament to a band that refused to compromise.
The album kicks off with the anthemic "King of Rock and Roll," a declaration of Dio's unwavering commitment to the throne. From there, it's a rollercoaster ride through a dark and fantastical landscape. Tracks like "Sacred Heart" and "Rock 'n' Roll Children" are pure metal mayhem, fueled by Vivian Campbell's searing guitar riffs and Vinny Appice's thunderous drumming.
But "Sacred Heart" isn't just about brute force. It's a showcase for Dio's unmatched songwriting and storytelling prowess. "Another Lie" is a poignant ballad about betrayal, while "Hungry for Heaven" delves into the darker corners of desire. And then there's "Fallen Angels," a cautionary tale about the dangers of temptation, set against a backdrop of swirling keyboards and epic guitar solos.
Of course, no Dio album would be complete without a healthy dose of controversy. The tour supporting "Sacred Heart" featured a giant animatronic dragon, a move that some critics dismissed as gimmicky and emblematic of the band's increasing commercial ambitions. However, others hailed it as a testament to Dio's showmanship and commitment to spectacle, cementing the album's place in heavy metal history.
Adding another layer of intrigue was the departure of guitarist Vivian Campbell midway through the tour, sparking rumors of creative differences and further fueling the album's polarizing legacy.
"Sacred Heart" also marked a turning point in Dio's sound, with a more pronounced use of keyboards and synthesizers, a move that divided fans and critics alike. Some praised the band's willingness to experiment, while others longed for the raw, unfiltered aggression of their earlier work.
Whether you're a die-hard metalhead or a curious newcomer, "Sacred Heart" is an essential listen.
