When I first started getting into rock music Rainbow fronted Dio were one the first bands to get my attention. The only Black Sabbath album I own in 'Heaven & Hell' from his first stint with the band. So Ronnie James Dio is a guy that I've admired for a long time. It was with sadness that I learnt of this passing earlier this year. I had 'Long Live Rock n Roll' as a ringtone for a few weeks just to mark his passing.
It seemed to be a very short period of time from Ronnie's passing to press releases for this album. I have to say that my initial thoughts about this album was that it was incredibly opportunistic. However, when this landed in my review inbox, I did a little research and it looks like this album predated Ronnie's illness & to be fair to Jorn he has recorded a couple of these song for other albums. Plus judging by his live recordings covers of Dio materiel features in his live act.
Apart from the original tribute song which starts off the album, we have a set of obvious and some not so obvious covers, some of which, 'Lonely Is The Night' and 'Kill The King' have already been released. It is clear that Jorn is a real fan of RJD and that these tracks pay homage to one of metal's great singers. I'm sure that Jorn spent a great deal of time and effort to accurately recreate this set of faithful covers. However, my reaction upon listening to these tracks is an urge to go off and listen to the originals with RJD singing. I think a little bit of inventiveness and the introduction of a few twists and turns to give the songs a new dimension would help the longevity of the album.
This album accomplishes what it set out to do with aplomb, but, in a way it does it too well, because unless you're a die hard Jorn fan most people's reaction will be to want to listen to the originals rather than these covers.
Rating: 3 stars
