DIO "Master of the Moon"
by Clifford "Junior" Newsted

Cover: 7 Pint Size Singers out of 10
This record has a typical Dio cover, a demon holding a crystal ball, in the background what appears to be the galaxy. The Dio logo sets centered above the demon, in purple, highlighted in baby blue. The title "Master of the Moon" sets centered at the bottom of the cover in white lettering. It's cool looking, but nothing that would stand out in the "metal" section of your favorite record store.

Booklet: 8 Fools that Sailed Away out of 10
I love booklets, when they are done right. Sanctuary has impressed me with the last couple of releases that I have gotten from them. This booklet features all of the lyrics to the songs, it has a picture of the band, images from the cover artwork inserted within, recording info(where & when) & a great shot at the back of the booklet of RJD throwing the horns! That's very metal. I was impressed with the quality work that went into this 10 page booklet for "Master of the Moon."

Songs: 7 Kings of Rock 'n Roll out of 10
There is something a tad different about this Dio record. It's much slower than what I have been grown to expect from RJD. The songs are "good" & as always the musicianship is top notch, one thing that you'll find, like I did, that this is one of those records that you have to spin multiple times before you actually "get into it." It will grown on you, then you'll find yourself asking "why?!" Out of nowhere, you'll find your self grooving to this record. RJD sounds great & if only his peers would sound as great as he does these days. Craig Goldy returns to the fold after several years & sounds great, though he appears to be showing restraint on this one. I was expecting him to blow the roof off, he didn't & that was disappointing.

Comments: There isn’t anything spectacular about this record, but the more you listen, the more you’ll like it. Stand out tracks on this disc; Master of the Moon, Shivers, The Man Who would be King & The Eyes. This is a notable follow up to Killing the Dragon & a record that the casual fan can get into to.