( Ronnie James ) DIO - Holy Diver - Holland 12" Vinyl LP Album

Holy Diver is the debut album of heavy metal band Dio. Released on May 25, 1983, it has been hailed by critics as Dio's best work and a classic staple in the heavy metal genreĀ  This original cover offended churches because it looks as if the monster on the album was killing a Roman Catholic priest. This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with many photos of Ronnie James Dio and his band

Album Front Cover Photo of DIO Holy Diver

Trivia

The album cover for DIO's "Holy Diver" depicts a devil-like creature, with horns , diving into a pool of water, where a person is shown drowning. This image was seen as offensive and controversial by some people, particularly in the Netherlands, where the album was released with an additional sticker warning about the graphic content.

The depiction of a demonic creature and the imagery of someone drowning could be seen as promoting violence or glorifying evil. In addition, some people found the cover to be disturbing or frightening. This led to some retailers refusing to stock the album or displaying it in a way that obscured the cover.

However, others argued that the cover was simply a representation of the album's themes and that it was not meant to be taken literally. Many heavy metal and rock bands of the time used similar imagery in their album art, and some fans appreciated the provocative and edgy nature of the cover.

Overall, the album cover of DIO's "Holy Diver" was controversial due to its use of violent and demonic imagery, which some found offensive or disturbing.

Production & Recording Information

This album "DIO Holy Diver" includes the original custom inner sleeve with a collage of the DIO band-members,

The album: "DIO Holy Diver" was produced by: Ronnie James Dio

Heavy metal legend Ronnie James Dio! His mighty voice and the iconic "devil horns" defined the genre. Here's his story

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Angelo Arcuri

This album was recorded at: Sound City Studios ,  Van Nuys, California , 1983

Mastering by George Marino (1947-2012) - Mastering Engineer

George Marino: legendary mastering engineer behind iconic albums by Metallica, AC/DC, and more. Explore his life and groundbreaking career in music.

Gene Kirkland - Photography

Jerry McManus - Art Direction

Mark (Weiss Guy) Weiss - Photography

Mark Weiss (Nickname: Weissguy) is an acclaimed American rock and roll photographer who has captured the essence and energy of some of the most iconic moments in music history. With his keen eye for detail and ability to connect with his subjects, Weiss has become synonymous with the visual documentation of the rock and roll scene.

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Born and raised in New Jersey, Mark Weiss discovered his passion for photography at a young age. Inspired by the music culture of the 1970s, he set out to combine his love for music with his growing interest in photography. Armed with his camera, Weiss began attending concerts and local gigs, capturing the electrifying performances of emerging and established rock acts.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Weiss's career gained momentum as he became the go-to photographer for many rock bands. He developed a reputation for his ability to capture the raw energy and charisma of the musicians, as well as the electric atmosphere of live performances. His photographs not only showcased the artists in their element but also transported viewers into the heart of the rock and roll experience.

One of Weiss's most iconic collaborations was with the legendary rock band Bon Jovi. From the early days of their career, Weiss developed a close relationship with the band members and their management, which allowed him unprecedented access to document their rise to superstardom. His photographs became an integral part of Bon Jovi's image, capturing the band's infectious energy and forging a visual legacy that would endure for decades.

Mark Weiss's work extended beyond Bon Jovi, as he photographed and developed relationships with numerous other rock icons. He captured the larger-than-life personas of artists such as Van Halen, Guns N' Roses, Aerosmith, and Motley Crue, among many others. Weiss's photographs adorned album covers, magazines, and concert posters, encapsulating the essence of the rock and roll lifestyle and contributing to the visual iconography of the era.

Throughout his career, Weiss has exhibited a remarkable ability to connect with his subjects and gain their trust, allowing him to capture intimate and candid moments both on and off the stage. His photographs convey not only the spectacle of rock performances but also the humanity and vulnerability of the artists behind the scenes, creating a comprehensive visual narrative of their lives and careers.

In addition to his work as a live music photographer, Mark Weiss has also ventured into other areas of the industry. He has directed music videos, designed album covers, and collaborated with various media outlets and galleries to showcase his extensive collection of rock and roll photography. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the music industry and continue to inspire new generations of photographers and music lovers.

Mark Weiss's body of work represents more than just photographs. It is a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the profound impact that music can have on people's lives. Through his lens, he has immortalized the legends of rock and roll, providing fans with a glimpse into the exhilarating world of music and preserving the spirit of an era that will forever hold a special place in the hearts of fans around the world.

 

Randy Barrett - Artwork

Rick Brackett - Photography

Sharon Weisz - Photography

Simon Levy - Art Direction

Gene Hunter - Original Art Rendering

Ray Leonard - Sound Engineer

Wendy Dio - Cover Concept


Music Genre:

Heavy Metal, Hard Rock

Label & Catalognr:

Mercury 811 021-1

Media Format:

Original Custom Inner Sleeve
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

1983 Netherlands

Musicians:
  • Ronnie James Dio - Vocals

    Heavy metal legend Ronnie James Dio! His mighty voice and the iconic "devil horns" defined the genre. Here's his story

  • Vivian Campbell Guitar
  • Jimmy Bain Bass, Keyboards

    Jimmy Bain, the legendary bassist behind Rainbow and Dio, was a force of nature. His driving basslines powered some of hard rock's most iconic anthems. Want to hear more?

  • Vinny Appice Drums

    Drumming icon Vinnie Appice ruled the 80s. Sabbath, Dio, and more! Get the full story

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Stand Up And Shout 3:15
  2. Holy Diver 5:52
  3. Gypsy 3:37
  4. Caught In The Middle 4:13
  5. Don't Talk To Strangers 4:49
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Straight Through The Heart 4:31
  2. Invisible 5:23
  3. Rainbow In The Dark 4:13
  4. Shame On The Night 5:16

High Resolution & Quality Photos
Front Cover Photo Of DIO Holy Diver
High Resolution Photo #1 DIO Holy Diver Netherlands

Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )

Photo Of The Back Cover DIO Holy Diver
High Resolution Photo #2 DIO Holy Diver Netherlands
Photo of the custom inner sleeve DIO Holy Diver
High Resolution Photo #3 DIO Holy Diver Netherlands
Photo of the custom inner sleeve DIO Holy Diver
High Resolution Photo #4 DIO Holy Diver Netherlands
Close up of the record's label Side One DIO Holy Diver
High Resolution Photo #5 DIO Holy Diver Netherlands
Close up of the record's label Side Two DIO Holy Diver
High Resolution Photo #6 DIO Holy Diver Netherlands

Index of DIO (The Band) - Vinyl LP Albums Discography
DIO - Holy Diver 12" Vinyl LP
DIO - Holy Diver album front cover vinyl record

Dio's legendary debut album "Holy Diver" arrives in Germany and the Netherlands! This 1983 vinyl LP delivers heavy metal classics like "Holy Diver" and "Rainbow in the Dark."

- Holy Diver (1983, Germany ) - Holy Diver (1983, Netherlands)
DIO - Intermission 12" Vinyl LP
DIO - Intermission album front cover vinyl record

Recorded at the San Diego Sports Arena in 1985 during the "Sacred Heart" tour, "Intermission" served as a sonic testament to the band's intense stage presence and Dio's enduring power as a frontman.

Learn more
DIO - Last In Line (German & Netherlands Releases)
DIO - Last In Line (German & Netherlands Releases)  album front cover vinyl record

DIO's seminal album "The Last in Line" arrived in Germany and the Netherlands in 1984. This vinyl LP showcases the band's raw power with iconic tracks like "We Rock" and the album's namesake.

- Last in Line ( 1984, Germany ) - Last In Line ( 1984, Netherlands )
DIO - Lock Up The Wolves 12" Vinyl LP
DIO - Lock Up The Wolves album front cover vinyl record

Released in 1990, "Lock Up The Wolves" emerged at a pivotal juncture in Dio's musical evolution. The album marked a departure from some of his earlier works, as it unveiled a renewed sense of exploration

Learn more
DIO - Sacred Heart (Three European Releases)
DIO - Sacred Heart (Three European Releases) album front cover vinyl record

DIO's iconic third album "Sacred Heart" hit European, German, and Dutch record stores in 1985. This heavy metal masterpiece features hits like "Rock 'N' Roll Children" and the title track. Learn the history of this classic vinyl!

- Sacred Heart (1985, Europe) - Sacred Heart (1985, Germany) - Sacred Heart (1985, Holland)