Dio - Killing the Dragon
- FaceOff - עימות חזיתי
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On May 21, 2002 "Dio" released their ninth studio album "Killing the Dragon".
"Killing the Dragon" echo the classic style of "Dio’s" earlier material, drawing on the roots that defined his sound, but still, it's missing the spark that made his first albums a masterpiece.
Unlike the more ambitious concept of the previous album "Magica", this album takes a more direct and traditional heavy metal approach. produced by Ronnie James Dio himself, this album introduces a renewed intensity, thanks in part to the arrival of guitarist Doug Aldrich, who brings a fiery, shredding style that revitalizes the classic "Dio" sound.
Former guitarist Craig Goldy had co-written some tracks on this album, before his departure due to a hand injury, maintaining a thread of continuity with past work. Goldy will return two years later for "Master of the Moon" - the final studio album from "Dio"
This is the last "Dio" album to feature long-time collaborator, Jimmy Bain (bass/keyboards) who together with Simon Wright (drums) completes the excellent rhythm section. Bain also co=wrote most of the songs on the album.
From the opening title track, the album bursts with fire and fury. “Killing the Dragon” isn’t merely a fantasy tale—it’s a symbolic battle cry against what Dio viewed as the new “electronic serfdom.” Through powerful metaphors of dragons stealing children and cruel feudal lords, Dio warns us of a future controlled by machines and artificial gods. It's not only vintage metal storytelling, but also a prescient critique of modern digital life.
"Along Came A Spider" follow with an up beat tempo and forceful riff, while "Scream" falls on this all-too-familiar "Heaven And Hell" bass line with a catchy guitar riff. "Better in the Dark" continues with force and features a great Bass/Guitar dual solo.
In contrast to it's title "Rock & Roll" is a melodious ballad inspired by the September 11th tragedy.
Musically, the album is razor-sharp and melodic. Tracks like “Push” are punchy and catchy, with riffs built to fill arenas. The song even spawned a notable music video, where Ronnie James Dio collaborated with "Tenacious D", cementing a bond that would lead to his cameo in their 2006 film "The Pick of Destiny".
“Throw Away Children” is a standout track, darkly poignant and socially conscious, originally slated for a "Hear 'n Aid" sequel project that never materialized. It features a children’s choir and confronts real-world tragedy of children being pimped, getting addicted to drugs and dying of AIDS. We come close to end with “Before the Fall” and it's "Rainbow" vibe, thanks to the great Hammond Organ and keyboard additions of Scott Warren. Warren also responsible for the unique sound of the album closer "Cold Feet".
In the end, "Killing the Dragon" is a combination of old and new. It’s "Dio" raging against both mythical monsters and real-world threats, from injustice to blind technological worship. At age 60, Ronnie James Dio was still writing songs that mattered, singing with undiminished power, and leading his band with passion and integrity. We miss you Ronnie...
For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music