What began as a jam session in 2011 blossomed into a full fledged band after former DIO bandmates Vinny Appice, Vivian Campbell, and Jimmy Bain discovered that after 27 years they still had the same great chemistry playing together. At first, they were a RJD tribute band but with 12 new songs written and recorded with producer Jeff Pilson and a new vocalist in Andrew Freeman, they had all the makings of a terrific Ronnie James Dio inspired hard rock album. Just prior to the scheduled release of the record via Frontiers Music, bassist Jimmy Bain sadly passed away. The band decided to go ahead with the release of the album and allow the world to experience the music as a tribute not only to Ronnie but now also to Jimmy.
The record kicks off in high gear with the hard rocking “Devil In Me” followed by the frenetic pace of “Martyr.” A slower, heavier pace is featured on “Starmaker” and “Burn This House Down” with oiutstanding guitar work by Campbell. It was absolutely fantastic to hear him tearing it up like he did in the DIO days. The great pounding drums of Vinny Appice are heard throughout the album coupled with the solid bass lines of the late Jimmy Bain holding it all together. Vocalist Andrew Freeman is smooth and soaring and does a fine job yet it is difficult not to compare him with the late, great DIO. An unfair comparison I”m sure, however, he seems to lack something. Perhaps it is that magic spark that only Ronnie himself was able to bring to the music. The songwriting is beyond compare and all 12 tracks are worthy of inclusion. My personal favorite was the slower “Curse The Day” which really took me back in time and was one of the best performances by Freeman vocally on the album.
“Heavy Crown” is a fitting tribute to both Bain and Ronnie as well as one heck of a hard rock offering. It’s a shame that tragedy has taken away another one of the greats. This album is one you’ll want to add to your collection for the music as well as the history.
