Fox Reviews Rock

After a battle with stomach cancer, the legendary rock and metal icon Ronnie James Dio passed away in 2010. This tribute album, “Ronnie James Dio -This Is Your Life”, features former bandmates, prominent acts in the metal scene as well as devoted fans honouring his legacy. It offers fresh interpretations of classic Dio, Black Sabbath, and Rainbow songs paying homage to his hard work, amazing songwriting and musical influence felt the world over. Proceeds from the album will support the charity set up by Dio’s wife Wendy “Stand up and Shout Cancer Fund”.

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The album begins with “Anthrax” belting out a solid rendition of “Neon Knights”. While Joey Belladonna can’t hit the high notes he once could, the song’s integrity remains intact. If you told me it wasn’t Anthrax, however, I’d believe you. It lacks their signature style, but it still completely rocks! Jack Black and Kyle Gass of “Tenacious D” offer a heartfelt tribute to Dio with their rendition of “The Last in Line”. Normally known for their comedic songs, Tenacious D takes a more serious approach to honour their fallen friend. Black’s vocals are delivered with sincerity and perfectly capture the essence of the song. Despite a random flute solo that feels out of place, the track still resonates with respect for Dio’s music.

When considering bands that may have been influenced by Dio, I’m not sure many would have considered Slipknot or Stone Sour. However, Corey Taylor the lead singer of both bands proves this to be an incorrect assumption. Taylor delivers an outstanding vocal performance on “Rainbow in The Dark”. I would go as far as saying it’s his best, although I suspect that’s an opinion not many will agree with. What Taylor’s vocal range might lack in comparison to Dio, is more than enough made up by the passion you can hear in his voice. He is supported by some of his Stone Sour bandmates as well as Steel Panther’s Satchell on guitar. The collaboration of these artists pays a remarkable tribute to one of Dio’s greatest songs.

Halestorm covered “Straight Through the Heart” and it reminded me of their earlier work which is an era of the band I enjoy listening to. However, I do find the vocals on this track to be somewhat overpowering. Perhaps a more delicate touch might have enhanced the sound here, it strikes me as them trying too hard.

Lemmy and the guys from Motorhead with the assistance of Saxon’s Biff Byford cover “Starstruck” and remind us in spectacular fashion that Rainbow was deeply rooted in rock and roll. Byford possesses the dynamic range that’s needed to do justice to the original, while Lemmy’s backing vocals add extra depth. Phil (Wizzo) Campbell’s guitar skills are fabulous with several brilliant solos, and Mikkey Dee’s methodical drumming ties the song together flawlessly.

“The Temple of The King” is a prime example of making subtle changes, while still nailing the essence of the original song. The Scorpions do a great job here making this a breath of fresh air on the album.

While a fantastic homage to Dio, there are a few moments that fall short in my opinion. While I love Killswitch Engage’s cover of “Holy Diver” with Howard Jones (Light The Torch) on vocals, in this case, it seems like a ploy to help sell more albums as it was released so long before this album. Additionally, “Egypt (The Chains Are On)” covered by Doro was featured on another Dio tribute album, so its inclusion here is somewhat questionable.

I adore the concept of Dio closing the album himself but his piano and vocals on “This Is Your Life” left me feeling quite melancholic, which is in stark contrast to the rest of the album. “Man On the Silver Mountain” with Rob Halford (Judas Priest), known for his powerful vocals, had me expecting something extraordinary but it felt too casual. I don’t think the styles mesh well enough, however, Dio’s former bandmates rescue the track somewhat.

Metallica’s “Ronnie Rising Medley” showcases their talent for covers as well as medleys. This track had me headbanging from start to finish, which at 9 minutes long is no mean feat. It was this that reminded me that Dio’s music did have a heavier side when it was needed. Metallica put their spin on the songs which isn’t all that surprising when you consider their covers of “Whiskey in the Jar” by Thin Lizzy and “Breadfan” by Budgie.

Overall, this album is a true celebration of Dio spanning over an hour of joy. While in parts I might have been critical, I genuinely loved it. However, I can’t give a score any higher due to it treading on familiar ground already explored by a legend of the industry.

6/10

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Review written by Fox Reviews Rock

Review edited by Cozzer

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