[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6CjO0H2j0s[/youtube]
Metal Insider contributor Anthony Maisano is listening to a different metal album that was released on that day every day this year. 38 years ago today, Dio and Ritchie Blackmore showcased some of the finest work in their entire careers with the release of Rising.
This is the album that many consider to be the magnum opus for Rainbow. It’s a huge album. It’s grand, Ritchie Blackmore cranks out riff after riff, the keyboards are mystifying, Cozy Powell is loud and intense on drums (his intro on “Stargazer” is just earth shattering), and Dio’s voice might be at irs most powerful ever on this album. From the start of the gun “Tarot Woman” has an amazing intro, and a strong, mystical Dio chorus. “Stargazer” is an epic with amazing orchestral work on top of brilliant riffs. The last two minutes of this song are some of my favorite ever. “A Light in the Black” is another magnificent, more progressive track, where the instrumentalists show their stuff. Then you have the catchy “Run with the Wolf,” which has some great hooks, and the incredibly fun “Starstruck.” This one fires from all cylinders.
The biggest flaw on the album? “Do You Close Your Eyes.” The song is just too cheesy, and doesn’t fit at ALL with the overall mood of the album. Nothing on this track is all that interesting, and I skip over it every single time. Also, the album is extremely short. It’s only six tracks long and lasts barely over a half hour. It could have used a few more tracks.
Favorite Tracks: “Stargazer,” “Tarot Woman,” “A Light in the Black,” “Run with the Wolf,” “Starstruck.”
If you haven’t listened to this album, I suggest you stop what you’re doing, and go do so right now. While I DO prefer Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll because it’s longer and has more variety, that’s only by a very slight amount. This is a monster of an album, and it really shows what Dio and Blackmore were capable of when they were at their creative peaks.
