FROM THE CRYPTS - CELEBRATING PAST ALBUM RELEASES in the HISTORY of HARD ROCK & HEAVY METAL…
“The world upstairs where no-one cares
Is just about to crumble” - Evilution
On October 25, 1993, DIO released their sixth full-length studio album, Strange Highways via Vertigo Records. It's also their first album since Ronnie James Dio and Vinny Appice's reunion tour with Black Sabbath. The European release was on Vertigo, in October 1993; the U.S. release was on Warner/Reprise Records, in January 1994.
Background:
During the tour for Lock Up the Wolves, Ronnie James Dio had a chance meeting with former Black Sabbath bandmate Geezer Butler which led to that band's reunion, producing one album, Dehumanizer (1992). After the short-lived reunion with Black Sabbath for the recording of Dehumanizer and the subsequent tour, Ronnie James Dio reassembled DIO once again, retaining only Appice on drums. By early 1993, RJD hired Tracy Grijalva (aka Tracy G.) as the new guitarist, followed by keyboardist Scott Warren (Warrant). Former DIO bassist Jimmy Bain was to make a return to the band, but he was soon sacked by DIO and replaced by DOKKEN bassist Jeff Pilson.
During this era, the band abandoned fantasy themed songs and focused on modern issues. As a result, some fans regard the albums made during this period (1993-1996) as the worst in DIO's catalog, while others view them positively as a step away from the outdated sound of the 1980s. With disappointing record sales of the following release (Angry Machines), management wanted the band to go back to their earlier style prompting the departure of Tracy G to be replaced by the returning Craig Goldy. In addition, Appice left DIO once again.
Strange Highways is considered to be Dio's heaviest and darkest album.
Hollywood Black was demoed by Black Sabbath during the Dehumanizer sessions. "Whether it's the same, I don't know…" Tony Iommi remarked of DIO's version (before hearing it). "Could be the same lyrics – probably is. I wouldn't think he would use the same music."
R.I.P. Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 – May 16, 2010)
Personal Note:
Strange Highways received much negative attention upon its release, which I find highly unfounded. It is quite possibly the heaviest album RJD ever produced. And, although it veered away from the more melodic, fantasy themed songs that most were used to hearing, I found the more reality based lyrics refreshing. Songs like Evilution, Hollywood Black & the albums title track, Strange Highways hit hard, true, and were in your face! In fact, Strange Highways seemed as though it was a continuation of the previously released Black Sabbath album Dehumanizer in sound and attitude. And, I found it to be a spectacular release. — E.N. Wells
Critical Reception:
Strange Highways received great to mixed reviews upon its release, with Jason Anderson of AllMusic stating; “The final Warner Bros. release for DIO after an 11-year run of hard-edged post-Sabbath recordings, Strange Highways is almost a return to early '80s form for a group that hadn't done anything particularly inspiring since 1984's Last in Line. Joining the band's namesake vocalist Ronnie James Dio on this 1994 release is an all-star lineup, including long-time drumming cohort Vinny Appice, bassist Jeff Pilson (most notably of Dokken, and an nice addition to the group, especially live), and unknown guitarist Tracy G. Ronnie James Dio is in fine voice as usual, especially on Hollywood Black and the emotive opener Jesus, Mary & the Holy Ghost. G. provides a nice, generally staccato guitar flow that harkens back to the glory days when Vivian Campbell filled the six-string slot in the group's finest lineup. Original drummer Appice seems to have lost some energy, tone, and sharpness by the time of this release, which is too bad considering that he had formerly personified all those qualities. As a unit, however, DIO prove they can lay down some deadly riffs, as songs like Pain and Firehead keep a nice momentum going throughout this return to solo work for Ronnie James Dio after a brief second tour of duty with Black Sabbath. Strange Highways is a solid effort with some of DIO's better late-career material, powerful singing, and strong performances from G. and Pilson.”
Note: The reviews shared here are for historical reference. The views and opinions expressed within are not always supported (in full or in part) by Into the Wells. — E.N. Wells
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