By the mid 90’s, heavy metal was becoming heavier and heavier. Bands like Pantera and Sepultura were dominating the charts. Glam had all but faded. And traditional outfits like Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, although worshipped and respected. Were beginning to become ‘the old guys.’ Despite some of them releasing their heaviest and best material. And caught in the middle of all of the changes was Ronnie James Dio. Coming up with some of his strongest works ever with ‘Strange Highways’ and ‘Angry Machines.’
In 1992, drummer Vinny Appice and vocalist Ronnie James Dio reunited with Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler under a Black Sabbath reunion emblem. Releasing the mega heavy ‘Dehumanizer.’ An album that remains one of Sabbath’s biggest statements. They were there to prove that they weren’t ‘the old guys.’ But innovators that can hold their own with the current metal trends. And it worked. But original Sabbath vocalist Ozzy Osbourne’s new album ‘No More Tears’ dominated the charts. And Sabbath were offered an opening slot on the tour. Dio, however, opposed the idea. And the reunion was short lived.
Dio and Vin split once again from Sabbath to re-establish ‘Dio.’ This time recruiting guitarist Tracy G. and Dokken bassist Jeff Pilson. Forming hands down the most underrated and overlooked line up in all of Dio’s existence. Is Tracy G. as technically apt as Craig Goldy or Vivian Campbell? No. But his tone is absolutely killer. Massive, full and ready for what 90’s metal was all about. Jeff Pilson’s bass playing is exactly what the music called for. And ‘Strange Highways,’ while commercially not productive. Received positive reviews from rock and metal critics alike. The follow up however, would take the heavyness to the next level.
‘Angry Machines’ remains Dio’s most underrated album. A full on gamut of ten ton heavy metal. Mixed with traditional vocal stylings and modern lyrical subject material. ‘Institutional Man’ is an immediate metal classic. With Vinny providing some mega phat drumming. A song that could easily fit on any Sabbath album. ‘Don’t Tell The Kids’ shows off the technical side of the band. While still retaining excellent songwriting and riffage. ‘Black’ displays the modern feel that the band was going for. While ‘Hunter of the Heart’ perfects the classic and modern combination of sounds. ‘Stay Out of My Mind’ is yet another Sabbath sounding monster. A musical angle that would be revisited when Dio and Vin would reunite with Tony and Geezer.
The back end of the album is just a strong as the front. ‘Big Sister’ is a prophetic metal track that looks into the future of mankind. While still retaining a sick nasty groove that’s as addictive as the technology that Dio was warning against. ‘Double Monday’ is short, sweet and to the point. ‘Golden Rules’ contains a massive thrash element. And remains a perfect example of what Dio was going for in the mid to late 90’s. The penultimate track ‘Dying In America’ is probably the strongest on the record. It’s a perfect heavy metal song. Complete with a truly heavy as all hell breakdown. Really displaying that Tracy G. guitar tone. The album ends with dark ballad entitled ‘This Is Your Life.’ Completing the record.
Upon its release, ‘Angry Machines’ was met with mixed reviews. Some disliked the continued ‘modern’ feel of the band. While others hailed it as some of the best material Dio had ever done. The album, however, was not a commercial success. And after the tour, Ronnie fired the band and continued on with his traditional sound three years later with 2000’s ‘Magica.’ ‘Angry Machines’ remains a deep cut album. One for the fans. So crank it, live it and love it. Give ‘Angry Machines’ some love.
