•
Rating:
"Master of the Moon" is the last studio album by Ronnie James Dio's band, the sprite (as the fans call him) is best known for having been part of important groups like Rainbow and Black Sabbath. Perhaps this latest work by Dio is not one of the most appreciated albums in their discography; many will remember their first album "Holy Diver" which contains the very famous "Rainbow in the Dark" or the celebrated album "Dream Evil" with notable tracks like "Night People" and the excellent "I Could Have Been a Dreamer."
Over the years, Dio’s music has become a bit more extreme, as demonstrated by albums like "Strange Highways and Angry Machines." These latter two have a sound that in some ways seems inspired by Black Sabbath's "Dehumanizer," as Ronnie James Dio made a brief return to publish a new album with Black Sabbath before returning to Dio.
The tenth album by Dio, "Master of the Moon," is quite different from the previous ones, unusual, evocative, dark, and with very gloomy settings, the album artwork could almost describe the very essence of the album. Certainly less heavy and more aggressive than the previous "Killing the Dragon," the latest "Master of The Moon" convinces precisely for its mysterious and nocturnal sounds with very cold tones, which strike at the first listen. Technically, there's nothing to say; Dio has always lived up to expectations in every work.
The album opens with the track "One More for the Road" which doesn’t immediately launch them into the spirit of the album, perhaps one of the less gloomy songs on the entire record, yet it turns out to be very compelling with a very engaging rock vein. The atmosphere ramps up with the following track "Master of the Moon" which also gives the album its title, with a very beautiful chorus. The third track is "The End of the World" which seems to be in the old rock style. Following are convincing tracks like "Shivers" and the expressive "The Man Who Would Be King," the latter being one of my favorites on the album, and the captivating "The Eyes" with very appealing tones. Subsequent tracks like "Living the Lie" and "I Am" sound like something already heard, perhaps in old Dio style. A small curiosity—when you listen to the chorus of "I Am," you can’t get it out of your head, listen to believe. The track "Death by Love," on the other hand, was partly written by former bassist Chuck Garric, who collaborated with Dio on "Magica," a very interesting album for those who haven't listened to it. The last track of this dignified album is "In Dreams," while there is also another track titled "The Prisoner Of Paradise" (a bonus track) included (in the special edition). Guest on the album is bassist Rudy Sarzo (formerly of Quiet Riot), replacing Jeff Pilson who was unable to complete the album due to too many commitments.
In the end, "Master of the Moon" may seem to fans less powerful and a bit too light on the first listen, but from my point of view, this album derives its strengths precisely from the dark and evocative settings that make the tracks majestic with a strong emotional impact. Ronnie James Dio's voice, as usual, never disappoints, and this represents a guarantee for all his works including this one.
Tracklist Lyrics Samples and Videos
02 Master of the Moon (04:19)
And then you dream
Of a world with only windows
Inside you - you can hide you
You know
And then the night
You're just another empty shadow
No questions - no answers
No one to scream at you
Turn around and when you face the sun
We can make you be like everyone you know
Hey you - you're just master of the moon
And then the eyes
If you look at them they'll blind you
Who are you - what are you
Why do you scream at me
Turn around and when you face the sun
We can make you be like everyone you know
Hey you - master of the moon
We can shake you make you over
We just need some time to
Shed some light upon your darkness
We need your mind
And then you dream again
In a world that only you know
Inside you - you can hide you
No one to scream at you
Turn around and when you face the sun
We can make you be like everyone you know
I'll turn away and never face the sun
You never make me be like you
I'm master of the moon
03 The End of the World (04:39)
If I could sleep at night
Then somehow I'd see
Why everything's wrong
Or maybe it's just me
Does anybody know this place that I'm in
Why I might be alone
Imagination is a terrible thing
What if I'm wrong
But here's what I've been thinking
It must be the end of the world
What ever happened to the rock and roll song
Breaking your brain
Making you stronger
They say you never hear the bullet that kills
And I don't hear a sound
It's not about a change or revolution
What's gone today is still called substitution
Don't get emotional but we're out of time
The melody's gone
And fools have got the sunshine
If I'm mistaken and I see you again
Don't leave me alone
Maybe tomorrow
Could be the end of the world
Don't make wishes
Don't waste time
Call the ones you hate
You'd say I'm sorry but they'll have to wait
Fot the end of the world
Bye bye bye bye bye bye
04 Shivers (04:15)
Shivers
Fingers scratching blackboards
Make cowards of the brave
A natural reaction
From the cradle to the grave
Rats and bats and spiders
And little things that crawl
Never make me tremble
I'm bothered not at all
Then I saw you
Something new inside of me
What's this shakin'
You made me shiver
Cemetery midnights
Walking on the dead
Never seemed to matter
It's all inside your head
Names are only letters
Mentioned on a stone
And If you're going somewhere
You're going it alone
Then I saw you
Something new inside of me
What's this shakin'
You made me shiver
Magic charms and voodoo
And all those other spells
Didn't make impressions
I never slept so well
If I had a nightmare
I'm sure that I would know
I really don't remember
But I'm sure it isn't so
Then I saw you
Something new inside of me
What's this shakin'
You made me shiver
Turn out the lights it won't matter
A bucket of blood and I'm fine
A black cat's only a color
But you can do it every time
Loading comments slowly
Other reviews
By Ronnie James Dio
An album worthy of listening to that cannot and should not be missing from a metalhead’s music collection.
The album closes with ‘In Dreams,’ simply a stunning song that I recommend everyone listen to!
