Ive always loved the album, but seeing as it's very similar in style to Dehumanizer, thats probably not too surprising. As that album has always been a personal fave of mine. xD

Cant believe the bad rating. Dio is amazing.

Best of his 90's album.

Rating 7.1 ... too low
I think MS members underestimate this album.

Written by Vasil de Shumen on 20.08.2013 at 13:28

Rating 7.1 ... too low

7.1 is LOW?

I think it's a good score for any record. You must be high on milk.

Written by Cynic Metalhead on 20.08.2013 at 17:24
7.1 is LOW?

I think it's a good score for any record. You must be high on milk.

It is a good score. I'd rate it a little bit higher myself, but that's just my personal opinion. There's nothing wrong with it's overall rating on here being 7.1. Not everyone is going to have the same opinion on this, or any other album for that matter...

The Dio band constantly blew hot and cold after Last In Line, but this one is definitely one of the band's better efforts. I'd probably place it in the top 5 DIO albums, behind the first 2, Dream Evil, and Master Of The Moon.

Written by Cynic Metalhead on 20.08.2013 at 17:24

7.1 is LOW?
I think it's a good score for any record. You must be high on milk.

yes, it's low...
it would be pretty good score on most of other sites which have similar scoring system like let's say imdb, but in metal storm standards this score is pretty low...

@Vasil de Shumen - i'm also surprised by low rating, it's really awesome album, i think that the reason why lot of people don't like the album is because it's different from his other works, it's more agressive and angry...

I really love this album, it's my favorite Dio's album after Holy Diver!

Written by Starchild on 20.08.2013 at 20:28

Written by Cynic Metalhead on 20.08.2013 at 17:24

7.1 is LOW?
I think it's a good score for any record. You must be high on milk.

yes, it's low...
it would be pretty good score on most of other sites which have similar scoring system like let's say imdb, but in metal storm standards this score is pretty low...

No tariffs set for scoring rules.

I think 1-5=poor, 6=average, 7-8=good, greater than 8=outstanding, 10=absolute masterpiece and considered classic.

At least that's how the rating for any record works out. No specific slab sets for scoring rules, man.

imdb, rateyourwhatever, MA, Metal Underground or Metal Storm has same scoring sheet ranging from 1-10 but the only thing is some people have harsher rules on rating an album.

Written by Cynic Metalhead on 20.08.2013 at 22:58

10=absolute masterpiece and considered classic.

Sorry for the blunt expression, but that's pretty stupid. That would mean that anything new can't possibly get a 10, until some years has passed (since a classic per definition have to stand the test of time).

I usually judge albums by how interesting they are to me. That doesn't mean ultra-technical or anything.

'Bout this "Strange Highways", amazingly boring album, except for the Bring Down the Rain, which, indeed, is a classic and a perfect closer.

Written by Kuroboshi on 19.09.2013 at 11:05

Written by Cynic Metalhead on 20.08.2013 at 22:58

10=absolute masterpiece and considered classic.

That would mean that anything new can't possibly get a 10, until some years has passed (since a classic per definition have to stand the test of time).

Who says that?

The prime example of latest records who has gotten to close to 10 is Insomnium-One for Sorrow and Officium Triste - Mors Viri( although, average is 8.3 but look at the reactions, it sees like EVERYONE is willing to rate 10 or close to 10!).

Sometimes, the scores you see isn't that important as opposed to what reactions toward that album IS.

Written by Cynic Metalhead on 20.09.2013 at 09:32


Who says that?

Well, since you used the word "considered", it seemed like you use other people's opinions (10's) as a measure, or even absolute, when you yourself judge albums. But if I misunderstood you, I'm sorry.

If I reaaaaaally like an album rated 6 on MS, I would still rate it 10, whereas I rate some albums highly regarded here with a low score. An example would be Dio I guess.

Written by Kuroboshi on 20.09.2013 at 14:37

Written by Cynic Metalhead on 20.09.2013 at 09:32


Who says that?

If I reaaaaaally like an album rated 6 on MS, I would still rate it 10, whereas I rate some albums highly regarded here with a low score. An example would be Dio I guess.

Your shot brother.

Atleast your voting is systematic as opposed to vote abusers who fuck up with the rating system.

This is the Dehumanizer sound spilling over to Dio's solo releases, but in my opinion with less success..Why? Probably because of the lack of one Tony Iommi writing the riffs. This album sounds like exactly what it is, Dehumanizer minus Iommi. I'd prolly actually give it a 6.5

Nothing special here, a bit experimental for Dio sound, few industrial riffs , but more heavier , a bit ''groovy'' as 80's sound, but better as previous album, no doubt.

What a suprise, never thought I would appreciate this one as much as I do. I've always loved the opening song but there's some other songs that hold up like Give Her The Gun, Bring Down the Rain and Firehead... there's also a fair share of dull tracks like Hollywood Black, Evilution and Pain. So it's a mixed bag but it's not a bad record. The star of the album is easily Tracy G, a phenomenal guitarist

This album sounds so dark and heavy and TracyG's guitarwork really helped into it creating that atmosphere. He uses a lot of cool effects and techniques Dimebag would use. The best song in this record is Hollywood Black in my opinion but overall a lot of thought was put into it in the musicianship and the lyrics.

For the longest time, I was trying to figure out what in the world that demonic bear breathing could possibly be on the first track at 3:10... then I read a review by "DRAXSEN" on Metal Archives, who said it's a guitar impersonating cutting the cross. Wow! That would totally fit the theme. Blew my mind. Brought the song to a different level for me.

Another random thought... I like this album and rated it a 7, and that contributes to lowering its already low score! Made me think I'm much harsher than the typical user here. I think increments of 0.5 should be allowed, as I would basically never give an album a perfect 10, but 9.5 is also not an option.