The 2-disc set features 20 tracks by the metal legend redone by a dozen different acts from the Massacre Records stable, including Crystal Ball, Messenger, Gun Barrel, Gloryful, The Order, Metal Inquisitor, Circle Of Silence, Burden Of Grief, Love.Might.Kill, Rebellion, Iron Fate and Wizard.

"Ronnie James Dio was a hero and inspiration to many musicians, such as Lars Ulrich (Metallica), Doro Pesch and Axel Rudi Pell, and rumour has it that he's the main reason why every metal head worldwide is familiar with the sign of the horns," says the German-based label. "Now it's time for us to pay tribute to him as well: 12 of our bands covered Ronnie James Dio songs to honor this exceptional musician!"

The cover art for "A Light In The Black" was created by Jan Yrlund of Darkgrove.net, who made an effort to pay tribute to the singer.

"I decided to go for an old school type of hand-painted look, like the classic Dio covers, but I still wanted to keep it original," he explains. "You'll find many hints and details that refer to well-known Dio themes: The mountain has two peaks as if they were devil's horns, and of course the Dio mascot Murray is featured too, merging from the fire."