582. Jorn / Dio. 2010. 4/5

Released scarily just a few short weeks after the sad loss of Ronnie James Dio to cancer, this album is well worth a listen whether you are a fan of either of those two gentlemen or not. Recorded as Jorn's own tribute to a man who is obviously a great influence on his own career, this is an interesting collection of songs.

It leads off with Jorn's own tribute, "Song for Ronnie James", an 8 minute composition that meshes in lyrics and song titles from Dio's career. Though I do think it is a bit long winded, it grew on me over time.
Following this is a selection of songs that intertwines Dio's career with Rainbow, Black Sabbath and his own band Dio. What impresses me most about them is that they are true to the originals musically and vocally, without being exact replicas of them. In essence they are a good updating of each song. Some stand out more than others - for me the best include an awesome version of "Lord of the Last Day", "Kill the King", "Push" and "Invisible" - but overall they are all wonderfully done.

Like all of Dio's music, nothing will ever compare to the originals along with the Master's voice. As one man's (and his band's) tribute to his music, however, this is an excellent album.