The final, powerful chapter of a legendary collaboration is being immortalized! Prepare yourselves, metalheads, because Rhino is about to drop a monumental collection that celebrates the incredible, albeit brief, second act of Ronnie James Dio with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice under the banner of HEAVEN & HELL. This isn't just a rehash; it's a deep dive into the period from 2007 to 2009, a time when these titans of heavy metal proved that true magic can indeed be rekindled.
For those who felt the raw power of Dio's voice with Black Sabbath during their initial run, this collection, titled 'Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007-2009', is a dream come true. It marks the first time the complete 'Live From Radio City Music Hall' performance will be available on vinyl, a truly historic moment for collectors and fans alike. But here's where it gets even more exciting: eight tracks from "The Dio Years" studio recordings and select live performances are making their vinyl debut! Can you imagine hearing those iconic riffs and Dio's soaring vocals on wax for the very first time?
This incredible package will be unleashed on March 27th in two lavish formats: a 7LP vinyl box set and a 4CD/Blu-ray box set. Both editions are loaded with goodies, including a beautifully illustrated book featuring new liner notes by Hugh Gilmour, a replica tour book, and a poster to adorn your walls. It's a true collector's item designed to immerse you in the HEAVEN & HELL experience.
The Blu-ray version is a treasure trove for visual enthusiasts, expanding the experience with video footage from 'Live From Radio City Music Hall' and 'Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell - Live At Wacken'. Plus, you'll get exclusive band interviews that offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into this electrifying period.
And to give you a taste of what's to come, an HD-upscaled video of the powerful track 'Bible Black' is available today. It's a stunning reminder of Dio's unparalleled vocal prowess and the band's formidable chemistry.
This collection traces the band's reunion journey, kicking off with their unforgettable 2007 New York performance at Radio City Music Hall. This was followed by the critically acclaimed studio album 'The Devil You Know' in 2009, which soared to a Top 10 position on the Billboard 200, and the live album 'Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell - Live at Wacken', captured later that year during their electrifying tour in Germany.
But here's the part that truly resonates with the spirit of HEAVEN & HELL: This reunion wasn't just a fleeting moment. It was a testament to the enduring bond between Dio, Iommi, Butler, and Appice, who first joined forces with Dio back in 1980 for the iconic Black Sabbath albums 'Heaven And Hell' and 'Mob Rules'. After a hiatus, they reunited in 2006 to record new material for Rhino's "Black Sabbath: The Dio Years" before embarking on their world tour as HEAVEN & HELL. The album 'The Devil You Know' was a massive success, selling 30,000 copies in its first week in the US and landing at No. 8 on The Billboard 200 chart.
Tony Iommi himself has spoken passionately about this period. In a September 2022 interview, he reflected on how much they were enjoying being back together, stating, "We were really on a roll when we'd done [the debut HEAVEN & HELL album] 'The Devil You Know' and we were touring and we were really enjoying it." He even recalled a conversation with Ronnie in Japan where they discussed doing another album and tour, a plan tragically cut short by Dio's passing.
And this is the part most people miss... The deep personal connection and creative synergy that existed. Iommi described the last tour with Ronnie as "real precious" and that they "really bonded." He highlighted Ronnie's remarkable ability to connect with people, often having fans in his dressing room before shows without any vocal warm-ups, yet delivering a flawless performance. "He was a really nice, caring character," Iommi reminisced, even recalling phone calls from Ronnie from the hospital shortly before his passing.
The passing of Ronnie James Dio on May 16, 2010, at the age of 67, was a profound loss to the heavy metal community. Renowned as one of the greatest and most influential vocalists in the genre's history, Dio's battle with stomach cancer, diagnosed in late 2009, was met with chemotherapy and a final public appearance at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards in April 2010. His legacy continues to inspire, with his long-awaited autobiography, "Rainbow In The Dark: The Autobiography," released in July 2021.
Now, a question for you, the fans: Looking back at the HEAVEN & HELL era, do you feel this period was a fitting and powerful conclusion to Ronnie James Dio's incredible career, or do you believe there was still more untapped potential? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear your agreement or disagreement!
