Let's be real, music fans. 1985 was a weird time. Hair metal bands were spraying enough Aqua Net to deplete the ozone layer, and synthesizers were sneaking into every genre like a bad case of head lice. In the midst of this sonic chaos, Dio unleashed Sacred Heart, a record that attempted to straddle the line between metal's primal fury and the era's growing obsession with keyboards and commercial appeal.
The Benelux pressing of this LP is a unique beast, lacking the "Made in Holland" label found on some versions. It's a subtle difference, but one that might intrigue the hardcore Dio disciples who obsess over such details. Regardless of the label's text, the music within is a wild ride through a sonic landscape that's both familiar and alien.
Let's talk about the tunes, shall we? "King of Rock and Roll" kicks things off with a swaggering riff and Ronnie James Dio's signature wail, a voice that could make a banshee sound like a choirboy. The title track, "Sacred Heart," is a sprawling epic, full of galloping drums, soaring vocals, and enough mystical imagery to make a Dungeons & Dragons nerd blush. But the album's not all high fantasy. "Hungry for Heaven" became a controversial hit, with some accusing Dio of selling out to commercial pressures.
The album isn't without its missteps. "Hungry for Heaven" is a shameless attempt at a radio-friendly hit, complete with cheesy keyboards and a chorus that's as infectious as it is cringeworthy. And "Rock 'n' Roll Children" sounds like a leftover from the Holy Diver sessions, a decent rocker that pales in comparison to the album's more ambitious tracks.
And who could forget the "Sacred Heart" tour? Dio's infamous dragon stage prop became as legendary as the music itself, a symbol of the band's over-the-top theatricality.
But let's not dwell on the negatives. Sacred Heart is an album that deserves to be heard, warts and all. It's a testament to Dio's ambition and willingness to experiment, even if some of those experiments didn't quite pan out. And the Benelux pressing, with its unique label variation, is a reminder of a time when vinyl records were still king, and music fans would scour record stores for the slightest hint of something special.
Produced by the legendary Ronnie James Dio himself, along with the talented Angelo Arcuri, and recorded at the iconic Sound City Studios in Los Angeles, Sacred Heart boasts a top-notch team behind its creation. The album's sound is a mix of raw energy and polished production, a testament to the era's evolving recording techniques.
So, whether you're a die-hard Dio fan or a casual listener with a penchant for '80s metal, give Sacred Heart a spin. It might not be the most consistent album in Dio's discography, but it's a fascinating glimpse into a band trying to find its footing in a rapidly changing musical landscape. And who knows, you might even discover a newfound appreciation for cheesy keyboards and mystical lyrics. After all, isn't that what rock 'n' roll is all about?
