Ronnie James Dio's musical legacy is about to get a whole new lease of life with the release of 'Breaking Out of Heaven'. This retrospective collection celebrates Dio's third and final act with Black Sabbath, which saw him reunite with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice to form Heaven & Hell. It's a second act that came decades after their initial run, and it's one that's been long overdue.
'Breaking Out of Heaven 2007–2009' is a comprehensive box set that includes 7 LPs and 4 CDs/Blu-rays, offering a wealth of material from this period. It's the first time the complete 'Live From Radio City Music Hall' performance has been released on vinyl, and it features eight tracks that are making their vinyl debut. The collection also includes studio recordings from 'The Dio Years' and select live performances, as well as video from 'Live From Radio City Music Hall' and 'Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell – Live at Wacken'.
The set follows the band's reunion run, beginning with their triumphant 2007 New York performance, 'Live From Radio City Music Hall', followed by the Top 10 studio album 'The Devil You Know' in 2009, and the live album 'Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell – Live at Wacken', recorded later that year on tour in Germany. It's a must-have for any fan of Dio's work, and it's sure to spark new interest in his music.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some fans might argue that Dio's final act with Black Sabbath was a mere shadow of his earlier work. Others might disagree, citing the band's reunion as a testament to Dio's enduring legacy. And this is the part most people miss... The 'Breaking Out of Heaven' collection is not just a retrospective; it's an opportunity to explore a different side of Dio's music and to discover the evolution of his sound. So, what do you think? Do you agree or disagree with the controversial interpretation that Dio's final act was a mere shadow of his earlier work? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
