DIO - HOLY DIVER (GOLD CD)

Dio Holy Diver on Gold CD from Audio Fidelity

Mastered by Legendary Engineer Steve Hoffman

Holy Diver is one of the most respected albums in rock and metal history and Ronnie James Dio was one of the most talented and respected artists in the world. Leaving Black Sabbath to create a new group built around his formidable singing and unquestionably stellar songwriting, Holy Diver's stunning quality and consistency owed much to Dio's carefully chosen bandmates, including powerhouse drummer (and fellow Black Sabbath survivor) Vinny Appice, veteran bassist Jimmy Bain, and a phenomenal find in young Irish guitarist Vivian Campbell, whose tastefully pyrotechnic leads helped make this the definitive Dio lineup.

The group entered the studio to record their debut album in early 1983. Produced by Ronnie James Dio, Holy Diver consists of nine original cuts penned by the singer and various band members. Included are such distinctive Dio classics as "Stand Up And Shout," "Straight Through The Heart," the title track and the concert favorite "Rainbow In The Dark." Hailed by critics as Dio's best work, the album was eventually certified Platinum in the US. On IGN's list of "Top 25 Metal Albums," Holy Diver was #8.

This Audio Fidelity Gold CD edition contains a 2-page spread copy of the photo-montage LP liner with images from both the Rainbow and Black Sabbath days that was included in the original vinyl release. As Ronnie once proclaimed, “Long Live Rock and Roll,” so sit back, listen and let the metal fill your soul.

Featuring stellar mastering by iconic engineer Steve Hoffman, Audio Fidelity's 24K + Gold edition of this Dio masterwork bests all prior editions. The audiophile label specializes in deluxe packaging with see-through slip cases and beautifully reproduced original graphics. As always, the original master tape was played back on a specially constructed vintage tube playback deck, with the analog masters put through the new "Kensei Audio Transformer," a process that adds even more life to the music.

Dio Holy Diver Track Listing:

1. Stand Up and Shout
2. Holy Diver
3. Gypsy
4. Caught In the Middle
5. Don't Talk to Strangers
6. Straight Through the Heart
7. Invisible
8. Rainbow In the Dark
9. Shame On the Night