They say that heroes can be remembered, but legends never die. As a metal legend, Ronnie James Dio will live forever in his music. An iconic voice and presence in the metal world, he is credited with popularizing the familiar metal horns sign. He started his career with Elf, Rainbow and Black Sabbath before founding Dio in 1982. With him being the only constant member of the group throughout its history, Dio saw many line-up changes with Craig Goldy (guitar), Rudy Sarzo (bass), Simon Wright (drums), and Scott Warren (keyboards) forming the last installment before it disbanded in 2010 following Dio’s death from cancer.
The Very Beast of Dio Vol. 2 is the follow up to the 2000 compilation album and it is a brilliant one at that, as it covers their previous four albums with some new songs as well. This album is practically flawless in its presentation. The hits keep rolling in one after another. It starts out strong and never runs out of steam before finishing just as powerful as it began. The opener “Killing the Dragon” sets the tone for the album. It gets the heart pumping with its energetic and blood thirsty tale of the hunt. “The Eyes” has a bone crunching sound that would please any medieval torturer that is followed by the blazing guitar on “Along Comes a Spider.” Next up are the hard hitting “Fever Dreams” and the gritty “Black.”
“Hunter of the Heart” keeps the second half of the album going strong. It is an amazing song that just might be the perfect metal song. It is the type of song that pretty much has it all and lacks nothing. Moving things right along are the menacing “Lord of the Last Day” and the stunning “Electra.” Switching it up without losing a step is the power ballad “As Long As It’s Not About Love.” “Metal Will Never Die” and “Prisoner of Paradise” close it out with authority.
The Very Beast of Dio Vol. 2 is an absolute monster of an album. This is must have for all Dio fans out there and just metal fans in general. With Dio’s voice leading the charge in front of some bone crushing music, I do not see how this album could let down anyone. You will receive your money’s worth with this one.
Key Tracks: ALL
Brian McKinnon – Sr. MuzikReviews.com Staff
October 23, 2012
