1621 - Dio Stand Up And Shout 1983

Ronnie James Dio has a way of making a first impression. He dazzled listeners when he joined up with Richie Blackmore in Rainbow and then rejuvenated Black Sabbath’s career with “Heaven and Hell.” The man had a lot to live up to when going solo and he did not disappoint with “Holy Diver.” The album is widely regarded as a classic and must have for any metal head and for good reason. The opener “Stand Up and Shout" is filled with a bombastic riff. Then the bass and drums come in to fill the picture and urge us to do as the title says; to stand up and shout with all our strength.

1398 - Dio Caught in the Middle 1983

After short but successful stints in Rainbow and Black Sabbath, Ronnie James Dio recruited bassist Jimmy Bain (ex-Rainbow), drummer Vinny Appice (ex-Sabbath), and young guitar hotshot Vivian Campbell to form Dio. Although Dio’s throaty, melodramatic heavy metal voice is clearly the band’s centerpiece, Campbell delivers killer riffs and blazing guitar solos throughout, while Appice and Bain formed a relentlessly galloping rhythm section. "Holy Diver" was an awesome album, "Caught In The Middle" is a extremely catchy, groovy mid-paced numbers featuring some excellent guitarwork from Vivian Campbell.

1085 - Dio Hungry for Heaven 1985

"Sacred Heart" is Dio's third studio album. It was released in 1985 on Warner Bros. Records. "Hungry for Heaven”, composed by Dio and Bain, is a catchy rocker.

734 - Dio Push 2002

"Killing the Dragon" ratifies Ronnie´s musical power and proves that the vocalist's career is boundless. New guitarist Doug Aldrich captures the classic Dio sound, this commercial "Push", with overly simplistic lyrics and hollow melodies, sounds great.

480 - Dio Rock 'N' Roll Children 1985

Ronnie James Dio formed Dio in October 1982 after leaving Black Sabbath. In an interview, available on the special edition re-release of Holy Diver, Dio states that he never intended to begin a solo career. His intention was to form a new band with fellow former Black Sabbath member drummer Vinny Appice. Naming the band Dio made sense from a commercial standpoint, as the name was already well-known at that time. In addition to Ronnie on vocals and keyboards originally, and Vinny Appice on drums, the band featured Vivian Campbell who played guitar, and Jimmy Bain, bass. "Rock 'N' Roll Children" was the sixth single released by heavy metal band Dio, appearing on their 1985 LP, "Sacred Heart".

365 - Dio Straight Through The Heart 1983

"Holy Diver" is Dio's first solo effort and it is still today his best. "Straight Through The Heart" is another genius song. The riff is stunning and the grooving drums and pounding bass creates an extremely solid rhythm. The melodic vocal break in the middle of the song makes a cool mood.

218 - Dio We Rock 1984

After the grand classic album “Holy Diver” of 1983 DIO’s solo band obviously had a momentum going and thus a year later the beautiful Metal year of 1984 was treated with another classic: “The Last In Line”, DIO’s 2nd offering and with the same line up as their debut. That means with Whitesnake axe man Vivian Campbell still on board, surely one of the better, if not the best guitarist Ronnie James has worked with in his solo band. This song is another essential classic.
“We Rock” kicks of the album and it’s hard to imagine a better opening track, probably DIO’s ultimate sing-a-long tune. Even 20 years later it’s still a live favourite and crowds go berserk when it is played.

148 - Dio Rainbow In The Dark 1983

Dio´s first solo album argued to be his best by a large chunk of fans. It's tight and has a great hard edge to it. This was what metal was all about for ages - heavy drums and headbanging rythmns together with soaring vocals and good guitar riffs.
The line-up is arguably the finest Dio ever had. The guitarist most closely linked with Dio, Vivian Campbell (originally from UK NWOBHM band Sweet Savage) makes a good impression here. Vinny Appice, who had previously (and currently still is, on the 'Heaven and Hell' tour) filled in for Bill Ward in Black Sabbath, is a long-time Dio associate, as is Jimmy Bain had been in the classic 'Rainbow Rising'-era line-up of Rainbow. Even more importantly, this album has more classics than you shake a stick at. 'Rainbow In The Dark' works really well, with its instantly recognisable keyboard motif (played by Dio himself) and catchy chorus make it a memorable track.

31 - Dio Holy Diver 1983

Ronnie James Dio had a lot to prove with this his first solo offering since departing rather unceremoniously from Black Sabbath and prove he did and the rest as they say is history.
Dio had salvaged the flagging career of the Ozzy-less Sabbath resulting in two of Sabbath's finest recordings: "The Mob Rules" and the classic "Heaven And Hell".
Ronnie knew his destiny lay out side of Sabbath so after nursing wounds brought on by his leaving he delivered, some would say his solo bands finest hour - "Holy Diver".
This colossal track "Holy Diver" picks up where Sabbath classics like 'Heaven And Hell' left off, with a churning riff and a dramatic vocal and lyric from Dio himself.