with
Dio
by Zane Ewton

Master of the Moon is the new release from Dio and is something of a departure for the elfish one.  Dio has written some of the most recognizable and memorable metal songs but this album doesn�t grab your attention immediately.  It is more subdued and takes a couple of listens to get into but Master of the Moon is definitely a strong album.

What stands out most is just how good Dio�s voice still sounds.  This album serves his vocals well and the lyrics become the focal point.  His lyrics still lie in the medieval imagery that has characterized his whole career.  But Dio waxes political on the operatic �The Man Who Would Be King.�  Dio refers to the �people of the sand�, and it is clear who the �man� is.  I doubt this song will do much for the polls in November but it does demonstrate the overall mood of the album.

The songs are grander than usual, which is saying quite a bit when it comes to Dio.  Unfortunately the songs are not as epic as some of this best and the sense of urgency is diminished.  �One More for the Road� is a typical leadoff track for the album.  It is loud and fast, a call to the metal troops.  

 �Master of the Moon� is when the album turns toward something of a metal opera.  The track lurches towards a sweeping chorus and back to a lurch.  �End of the World� follows the same kind of pace; Dio asks �whatever happened to the rock and roll song, breaking your brain, making you stronger?�  That�s a good question, what has happened?

 �Shivers� is a very cool, grinding track.  Probably the heaviest on the album, but it lacks the sing-a-long chorus of so many of Dio�s songs.  �Living the Life� is a good, fast paced rock song.  The track is one of those �too much, too soon� kind of songs.  �I Am� is the prototypical magical-fantasy songs that Dio has written so many times.  �Death by Love� is another decent song, and the final track �In Dreams� colors in the last space on the Dio paint-by-numbers.

Dio is in a rough position in his career, most of his fans probably don�t care too much for a new album and are only interested in seeing him live and hearing �Holy Diver�.

 While Master of the Moon is not an instant classic, it is a very good record.  It is obvious that Ronnie James Dio doesn�t want to rest on his laurels.  He is still interested in making compelling rock and roll music.  Dio succeeds in doing that with Master of the Moon and anything that gets him on tour is a good thing.
 

Dio � Master of the Moon
Label: Sanctuary
Rating: 
 

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