#GreatAlbums1980s - #Dio – Holy Diver (1983). Dio's debut stands up today on the strength of several key tracks – "Holy Diver," "Don't Talk to Strangers" and "Rainbow in the Dark." The rest of the LP is an instance of traditional metal bracing itself against the rising tide of hair and speed. "Stand Up and Shout" is a mere knob twist away from thrash, albeit suffering a tad, like much of the album, from Dio's self-production that could use more fire in the bottom end.
