You would think after 30 years of doing this I would keep better notes, but I have literally no idea where this album came from so am at a loss as to why I am now reviewing something which came out six years ago! Released in 3 different versions (why do the Japanese always get more songs?), what I have here is the standard 14-song release and we get a host of different bands paying tribute to one of the true vocal greats of the metal scene. It starts with Anthrax and their take on “Neon Knights”, and they did the same they do with every cover version I have ever heard of theirs, namely they both stay true to the original and yet turn it into an Anthrax song, It is a straight punch to the gut, and the perfect opener.

After that we get the normal mix of bands doing their best to stay true to the original, musicians working together in new formats, all paying homage. Of course some work better than others, but there are a few which should be called out, as while it is great having Tenacious D (they did after all release a song called “Dio”), there are two which really do capture the ear. The first of these is Halestorm where Lizzy and the band take “Straight Through The Heart” and definitely move it up in the canon, and the other is Motörhead with Biff Byford. I never imagined Lemmy sharing vocals with Biff, and also never imagined Motörhead covering a song such as “Starstruck”. Killswitch Engage turn “Holy Diver” into a much heavier monster than ever envisaged while Scorpions performing “The Temple of the King” sound like, well, Scorpions.

It is a fun album, but who will buy it? I was lucky enough to see him fronting Dio at the Hammy O (somehow there was room for both a dragon and castle on stage, plus there were lasers firing around the auditorium), but is not something I would rush out and get. A bit of fun for fans, but nothing more.

Rating: 7/10

Links:
https://www.rhino.com/