819. Dio / Magica. 2000. 5/5

After the (and it really hurts to say this, but only the truth will suffice) truly abominable Angry Machines album, I began to think that all was lost in the Dio music machine. It had been a great ride, almost 25 years of great albums from the likes of Rainbow, Black Sabbath and Dio, for the most part all legendary. But was the well at last seeping dry? There had been severe question marks over Lock Up the Wolves, and then Strange Highways had also seemed more on the average side than you would like to have your music. I was concerned that this was an end point.

Despite this, I still bought Magica when it was first released. The fact that it was a concept album, with a story written by Ronnie, tweaked my interest a little, and though I put the CD on and listened to it a couple of times, while reading the CD insert in regards to the story, I really didn't pay too much attention to it immediately. It wasn't until a mate of mine, who I was spending a lot of time with playing cricket and socialising with afterwards, started constantly singing, "I love the night, so many shadows" at almost every pause in conversation, that it started to get into my head as well, and I began to invest myself in the album. And once that door had opened, the world beyond changed for me.
Why did this album take its time to get its hooks in me, and then what dragged me in so deep? I don't really know. It took awhile because I had been burned by the previous album, and also the tempo of the songs was still settled in that very mid-range of the previous three albums. I really prefer the faster pace, but as the hooks sunk in I found that this didn't matter to me anymore, that the songs themselves were so good that it eradicated from me any rhetoric involved in such ventures. So once I got past those issues, I discovered the power of the music, and the power of the lyrics, and thus the power of the vocals. Each improves the other throughout this album. The story intertwines and connects the album as well, along with the discoverers of the Magica story's comments throughout which link some of the songs. And while this plays some importance, I soon found that I enjoyed the album and the individual songs as themselves, and not necessarily as a greater part of the whole. The strength of any concept album is that it can be listened to in its entirety as the story, and that individual songs can indeed be listened to and enjoyed on their own without having to be a part of that story. Magica ticks all those boxes.
Musically this album brings back some familiar faces, whose style and connection with the band's great era help to focus the music in a much better atmosphere. Craig Goldy returns on guitar and also in co-writing duties. Jimmy Bain returns on bass guitar, and lends his friendly and familiar rumbling throughout the album. Simon Wright returns on drums, adding a different style on the drumming than long-time cohabitant Vinny Appice does. Scott Warren remains on keyboards, and again fulfills his role with aplomb. He is the sole survivor of the disappointment of the previous two albums. Without wishing to completely lay the blame for the problems associated with those albums with the musicians who were involved with them, there is no doubt that the return of these members to the band makes it feel a lot more like the real Dio.
And so, despite the story concept, it is now the furthest thing from my mind when I listen to this album - which is still often. I think the songs all flow beautifully to each other, playing off each other. The music is fantastic. I love Simon's drumming on this album. It can feel or sound like he is playing very simply, not extending himself, but when you really listen to what he's playing it is just terrific, especially his emphasis when it is needed most. It really makes a difference, and along with Jimmy's bass it gives the rhythm section a real presence throughout. Craig guitaring is also great, again it may not be overstated but it makes its presence felt when necessary. And then we have Ronnie James Dio, who rises back to his seat of power on the throne of exalted legendary vocalist. The power through the middle section of "Lord of the Last Day" is the first sign that the band and its leader is back. Then into "Fever Dreams", "Turn to Stone" and the brilliant "Feed My Head". This is as good a collection of songs that Dio has produced. then we hear from "Eriel" and "Challis", the 'heroes' of the netherworld of Blessing. "Challis" is brilliant, great music with Ronnie spitting out his vocals with fire and venom. Awesome.
"As Long As It's Not About Love" is the game changer on the album, changing the mood from the upbeat to the moody and introspective. Ronnie again proves his mastery on this song, as his vocals soar in a way that only the most brilliant can achieve. It may not be as hauntingly beautiful as "Rainbow Eyes" from his days in Rainbow, but as a power ballad it is up at the top of the tree. I also love the 'olde worlde fairground' sound of "Losing My Insanity", it just suits this album somehow, before concluding with "Otherworld" and reprises of "Magica' and "Lord of the Last Day" to finish off the album. At the end, Dio narrates the story of Magica, which is also found on the CD sleeve, to help all listeners to follow his vision of the story.

This was a real creeper for me, but it soon grabbed my heart and has never let go. As I have said, it's not the story that really found me, it was the music and the passion that is felt throughout the album that made this so good for me. A great band and a legendary singer had fought back from the brink, returned to their roots, and found themselves again. And I love it for that.

Rating:  Wicked is as wicked does, and if I lose control, is this the way that hell is going to be.  5/5