Dio. Strange Highways (CD)

“Strange Highways” is the sixth studio album by American heavy metal band Dio. It’s also their first album since Ronnie James Dio and Vinny Appice’s reunion tour with Black Sabbath. The original European release was on Vertigo Records, in October 1993; the U.S. release was on Reprise Records, in January 1994. After the short-lived reunion with Black Sabbath for the recording of the album “Dehumanizer” (1992) and the subsequent tour, Dio and Appice returned to Dio’s solo group, hiring Tracy G(rijalva) as new guitarist and Jeff Pilson on drums. “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.” The album is produced by Mike Fraser, a Canadian record producer, engineer, and mixer, famous for recording and mixing six records for AC/DC including the classic AC/DC anthem: “Thunderstruck“. Other notable projects of Fraser include: Franz Ferdinand, Metallica, Aerosmith, Zac Brown, Joe Satriani, The Cult, Van Halen, Elvis Costello and Led Zeppelin. The album marks a significant departure from the band’s previous work, showcasing a darker and more modern sound, compared to Dio’s earlier, more traditional heavy metal style.