Artist: Dio
Label: Spitfire
Release Date: 3/21/00
Average Rating: 4
Go to Judgment Committee Reviews of this Album
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Title: Magica Artist: Dio Label: Spitfire Release Date: 3/21/00 |
There are currently 2 Reader Reviews of this album.
Average Rating: 4 Go to Judgment Committee Reviews of this Album |
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Submitted by Dale Lammers on 3/19/00
Magica is Ronnie James Dio's first concept album in his 35 years of recorded history. In one bold stroke, the man has set a new standard. Ronnie has even gone as far as to say that this record evokes the spirit of Long Live Rock 'n Roll, Mob Rules and Holy Diver. The band this time around includes guitarist Craig Goldy, drummer Simon Wright and the now clean and sober Jimmy Bain on bass, clearly making this Dio's best lineup. We won't spoil the story line for you, but "Fever Dreams," "Challis (Marry the Devil's Daughter)" and "As Long as It's Not About Love" proudly display Ronnie singing more emotionally than ever before, and that's astonishing in itself. While Magica is clearly the product of painstaking detail, what makes it so beautiful is that any of these songs could stand on their own merit while being deadly important to the story. High-impact escapism of the highest order, Mr. Dio has become master of yet another new realm. If you were ever even curious about concept albums, then every last goddamn one of you owes it to yourself to become enraptured by this thing. Magica awaits...
Submitted by Musashi on 3/16/00
Some things never change; Dio is one of them. It amazes me that so many years later, Dio can keep doing this schtick. Despite the fact that I never believed in wizards and warlocks, I always liked Dio. He's got a good voice. He sang with Sabbath and Rainbow and had a good solo career. He is the troll of rock & roll!So now it's Y2K and Dio re-emerges like a phoenix from the ashes. Magica can easily be traced back to the mid-80's in style. Classic Dio riffs and lyrics (You're like a tear in the ocean/Dust in the wind/Like a stone in the water/I'm gonna sleep with the Devil's daughter).
The album sounds great. Although, I miss Vivian Campbell's squealing guitar. (Maybe Ronnie can open for Def Leppard?) I think he needs to add some screaming guitar solos, turn down the keyboards and come up with a hot video. Seriously, the thing I remember about Dio apart from his voice and corny lyrics was the cool guitar riffs. He needs another Vivian Campbell or Richie Blackmore. Craig Goldy is good but doesn't stand out like Viv did. If you are going to stay locked into the shredding 80s you need to find a phenomenal guitar player to kick out some head turning solos.
If you need a new CD to listen to for your next Dungeons & Dragons party, look no further. If you are looking for an awesome metal album, look elsewhere. I'm glad to have a copy of this just because I'm glad Dio is still out there trying to kick some ass. Honestly, I would rather listen to Holy Diver.
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