They are two of the most distinguished vocalists of all time. In hard rock/metal or really any other form of popular music. They were both in Black Sabbath. Both incarnations as influential as the other. And then they both set out on successful solo careers. Both creating some of the strongest heavy rock records to ever grace the genre. Whilst giving rise to some of the most legendary drummers, bass players and guitar players to ever walk this planet. Not to mention their mutual success with their completely different angles of vocal attack. They couldn’t be more different while simultaneously being the same. But now, they step into the ring to duke it out for solo career supremacy. Who will reign supreme? The power metal strength of Ronnie James Dio? Or the prince of darkness Ozzy Osbourne.
Dio
In the blue corner we’ve got Ronnie James Dio. He completely revived Black Sabbath’s career. With his power metal voice and tendency to write that form of metal. It breathed new life into a band that most had written off. And many consider Dio’s four outings to be Sabbath’s best material. But Dio can be a little difficult to work with as he has a vision and does not deviate from it. So what’s the answer? Set out on a solo career. And that’s just what he did. From 1983 to 1994 he released six of most well made heavy rock records ever. Not to mention his 1992 Black Sabbath outing ‘Dehumanizer’. From ‘Holy Diver’ to ‘Strange Highways’ Dio dominated the arena circuit. Creating careers for some of the most storied guitar players in the music industry: Vivian Cambell, Craig Goldy, Rowen Robertson and Tracy G.. Some of his albums were more commercially successful than others. But he always remained a top constant in the industry. And whether or not an album was a commercial success or not, it doesn’t meant the songs aren’t great. ‘Lock up the Wolves’ is the prime example. The album is excellent from start to finish. And Dio also had some great post ’94 albums as well. Even though ‘Angry Machines’ isn’t strong. It’s the only Dio album that doesn’t really work. And he was quick to get back on his quality of strength with 2000’s ‘Magica’. And beyond that he did two more excellent records. And introduced a bad ass guitarist in Doug Aldrich. One of the greats of today. And he rocked and performed until he died at the age of 68. A true legend with an astonishing amount of great heavy metal music.
Ozzy
In the red corner we have the one and only original prince of darkness, Ozzy Osbourne. Not only is he the original frontman and lead vocalist for Black Sabbath, he’s also the original heavy metal singer. So that alone is enough to put him ahead in the initial rounds. However, it is debatable whether or not Dio’s era of Black Sabbath are stronger. But then again, this is the solo work duking it out. Not the Black Sabbath material. And Ozzy has some phenomenally legendary records. But it can also be argued that his first two albums, ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ and ‘Diary of a Madman’ are way overplayed. And that Dio’s first two solo outings, ‘Holy Diver’ and ‘Last in Line’ are in fact better albums. And they’re not nearly as overplayed. With the exception of ‘Rainbow in the Dark’. But Ozzy’s first two solo albums gave rise to Randy Rhodes. Whom we all know died in a place crash in the spring of 1982. His tenure was short lived. But his legacy is so legendary. Inspiring millions around the world to pick up a guitar. And that’s only his first guitarist. After his untimely death Ozzy moved on with the adequate Jake E. Lee. But the first album with him at the helm ‘Bark at the Moon’ falls way short. And if you think it’s better than Dio’s third outing ‘Sacred Heart’ you’re mad. But Ozzy would eventually turn things around and release the underrated ‘Ultimate Sin’ in 1986. Then the Ozzman really hits his stride with his fifth album ‘No Rest For the Wicked’. With Zakk Wylde now in the band Ozzy would become a true unstoppable force. Not even he could stop it, which is why he released ‘Ozzmosis’ in 1995 and set out on the ‘Retirement Sucks’ tour. From then on it’s been pretty smooth sailing. With mega solid album after another released. And he’s still going. Even though he’s lost a few steps. But he’s still out there
Overall it’s one hell of a battle. With one punch after the other. If one has a great album, the other isn’t far behind. If one has given life to a guitar legend, the other is right around the corner with his answer. They are both so similar. Yet their vocal attacks are completely different. Unfortunately, at the end of the day only one can win. And with all the similar and equal credentials in both camps it’s nearly impossible. But for me, when it all comes down, I’m going to have to go with Dio. Don’t get me wrong, there are moments in Ozzy’s career where he eclipses Dio for sure. But ya know, Dio is more of a defender of the true metal faith. Ozzy has certainly done his defending. But Dio never did something as lame as ‘The Osbournes’. Complete commercial, typical sellout bullshit. And Ozzy has a few missteps in his career like that. Whereas Dio is pure all the way through his storied career.
Who do you think like better: Ozzy or Dio?
Legendary guitar shit. Overplayed as hell.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy1V5LHXWbg
Equally legendary guitar shit. Not overplayed.
But the strength of songs like ‘Miracle Man’ and beyond are hard to contend with.
But Dio is a true defender of the faith and just barely rises above.
