Dio – Holy diver (Audio Fidelity)
Dio’s first opus, released in 1983, gets the ultimate treatment. While Universal recently released the expanded deluxe edition as a double CD, Audio Fidelity did their own special release…
While a bit shy in extras, this release is limited to 5000 copies (numbered), with the disc layered with 24 carat gold, enhancing the sound. The disc is brimming with warmth, the basic timbre sounding as your vinyl did, with the cymbals sounding light and crisp.
The presentation is elegant in its slipcase, but people looking for the deluxe edition may be disappointed. This release is aimed at audiophiles, making it an essential purchase, but the deluxe edition may be required too!
*****
Nick van der Meulen
Dio – Last in line & Sacred Heart reissues (Universal)
Dio released what can be referred to as classics of the genre in the 80’s. “Last in line” and “Sacred heart” are his second and third releases, respectively.
The remastering is well done (care of Andy Pearce, who remastered the Black Sabbath recordings for the Universal releases) and the songs sound as fresh as ever, despite being written and released in the 80’s. “Sacred heart” is an indication of Dio’s band being more comfortable with each other and they sound tight and mature, which is why one can rate it better than “Last in line”.
Both albums are an essential purchase, however, with live tracks on the second disc: “Live at Pinkpop ‘84” features as bonus material on “Last in line”, while “Sacred Heart” contains the “Dio Intermission EP”, along with the studio track “Hide in the rainbow” (from the Iron Eagle soundtrack) as bonus material.
*****
Nick van der Meulen
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,
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David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. This “Best of 2025 reviewer choices” show was first broadcast on 21 December 2025.
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Power Plays w/c 12 January 2026
THE DEADMANS Nice Kid (indie)
THE 69 EYES I Survive (BLKIIBLK)
MAGIC WANDS Sacred Mirrors (Metropolis Records)
KATHARINE PRIDDY Hurricane (indie)
AVALON STONE Mirage (indie)
CODE:WORDS Limerence (The Artery Foundation)
ROBBEN FORD Make My Own Weather (Mascot)
Featured Albums w/c 12 January 2026
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)
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