Album Review: Ronnie James Dio – This Is Your Life
2 min read
The long awaited tribute album This Is Your Life from the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund has finally landed. Celebrating the legacy of the man himself it features a range of artists including Metallica, Motorhead and Killswitch Engage.
This album is outrageously metal. Featuring covers of some of Ronnie’s most iconic tracks, it opens with the Black Sabbath tune Neon Knights covered by Anthrax. The opener literally blows your ears off.
Known for having one of the most reputable voices in rock history, Ronnie James Dio lost his battle with stomach cancer in 2010. Wendy Dio, the late singer’s wife and manager organised and produced the album with some heavy weight support. The album is comprised of 13 tracks and full proceeds are going to the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund.
This Is Your Life evokes some wicked memories – Tenacious D’s cover of The Last in Line comes in at number two and jolts you back to their 2006 movie where Ronnie gives Jack Black the nod to rock! The man really was an iconic part of the rock metal world.
The album consists of some previously unreleased tracks including the delicious rendition of Straight Through The Heart by Lzzy Hale led Halestorm. Another corker, Starstruck is brilliantly interpreted by Motorhead and leads into the rich, melodic riffs of The Temple of the King covered by Scorpions. You can’t go past Doro the Metal Queen’s cover of Egypt (The Chains Are On) – the appearance of such strong female leads is a testament to the vocal prowess of Ronnie James Dio. Killswitch Engage also give it their heart in the portrayal of Holy Diver. Honestly the list could go on – you need to hear it to understand.
Suitably the album closes with the original account of This Is Your Life. It is a beautiful reminder of Ronnie James Dio. As far as closing tracks go it really pulls on the heartstrings and leaves you wanting more.
A brilliantly compiled album born from such a great cause makes this a treat for the ears and soul. Do yourself a favour and take a listen, the prevalence of previously unreleased tracks and the immense calibre of contributors mean you will not be disappointed.
