Strange Highways is probably the heaviest and darkest of all DIO's albums. While Dream Evil and Lock Up The Wolves embraced a darker direction compared to previous albums, Strange Highways really drowns itself in nihilism and appropriately picks up where BLACK SABBATH's Dehumanzier" left off. Most of the songs are executed in a fusion of doom and groove metal, the riffs tend to go at a plodding pace, and the vocals continue in the angry style seen on Dehumanizer. Of course, there is some variation seen in the token ballad Give Her the Gun and the upbeat Here's To You, which would sound pretty awesome in a concert setting. The lyrics are also some of the most pessimistic that the man has ever written and mostly deal with themes related to alienation, dysfunctional relationships, and disillusionment. But as Dehumanizer featured a sole light of optimism in the form of the individualistic I, this album's biggest flicker may occur in the seemingly fan-friendly Here's To You. The title track may also deal with the theme of individuality but it is overshadowed by the perceived nihilism of assimilation. But as evidenced by the frequent references to it, I feel that this album's most obvious flaw is the similarity between it and Dehumanizer. It does have its own unique voice but several songs do resemble those of the past. The balladry of Give Her The Gun often reminds me of Too Late and many of the typical tracks on here remind me of I at times. It's still an excellent album. Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Excellent pressing of a classic album
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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