"Strange Highways" is a powerful studio album by the legendary heavy metal band Dio, released in 1993 on CD format by Mercury. This record marks a significant chapter in Dio's discography, showcasing Ronnie James Dio?s signature vocals and darkly poetic lyrics alongside hard-hitting riffs and dynamic compositions. The album explores themes of introspection, struggle, and redemption through tracks like "Jesus, Mary & The Holy Ghost," "Evilution," and the title track "Strange Highways." Known for its heavier sound compared to previous works, this release demonstrates the band's evolution while retaining their classic metal roots.
Dio was formed by vocalist Ronnie James Dio after his stints with Rainbow and Black Sabbath. Renowned for his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, Ronnie James Dio became one of heavy metal?s most influential frontmen. With iconic albums such as "Holy Diver" and hits like ?Rainbow in the Dark,? Dio has left an indelible mark on rock history.
Mercury Records is a prominent label known for supporting diverse artists across genres since its founding in 1945. Over decades, Mercury has been home to numerous chart-topping acts worldwide?its commitment to quality production makes it a trusted name among music enthusiasts.
The sixth studio album by American heavy metal band Dio. "This album is about anger. It's about people who don't have a way to express their anger about what's going on in the world," Dio on "Strange Highways."
Azmi H. - 26/Aug/2022
This is one of those underrated albums from metal's greatest vocalist. The band is tight, the songs are exceptional, and the sound is metal. What more can you ask for?
Alexander S. - 04/Mar/2021
After the release of this album, most of Dio's fans turned their backs on him. The reason is quite understandable - not everyone will like the band's new sound, heavy, dark and with a clear industrial flavor. But one should not be surprised, because Lock Up The Wolves already suggested a transition to the "dark side of power", and Ronnie's short-term return to Black Sabbath gave rise to the most difficult and depressing disc in the entire long history of the band. The new line-up of Dio, in addition to "veteran" Vinnie Appice at the drum kit, includes keyboardist Scott Warren (although with the current sound there are even more doubts about his need), bassist Jeff Pilson and guitarist Tracy Gee. From the fans, all the bumps and stupid accusations of mediocrity and "spoilage" of the sound fell on the latter. Although if the so-called fans listened to Strange Highways well, they would have noticed something. For example, very high quality material, even if played hard and unusual, but very, very catchy. I would like to highlight several clear creative successes. First, of course, the opening song of the album Jesus, Mary & The Holy Ghost, which contains, in addition to the most interesting rhythm and structure, a very talented text on a religious theme. I would also like to note the epic title track, the powerful action movie Hollywood Black with mocking text about the world of the film industry, the gloomy and depressive Evilution, and the surprisingly gentle semi-ballad Give Her The Gun, exploding in the chorus with powerful energy. The rest of the material stands out less, but there are almost no gaps in it. It must be said that, despite the innovations in the band's sound, it is quite possible to get used to and understand the new sound. But, at least, you can't blame Dio for senile insanity, because the songs here are quite high-quality. So the answer to the question whether to buy this disc or not depends entirely on your attitude towards experiments with a heavy and dark sound.
Rock&Pop
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