Crank the Metal with DIO 'The Studio Album Collection: 1996

Sunday, November 10 2019 09:59

Crank the Metal with DIO 'The Studio Album Collection: 1996 - 2004'

Written by James Zahn

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Crank the Metal with DIO 'The Studio Album Collection: 1996 - 2004'

It's time to get heavy with a fresh spin on some DIO classics.

BMG and Niji Entertainment Group Inc. partnered to reissue DIO's 1996-2004 studio albums: Angry Machines (1996), Magica (2000), Killing the Dragon (2002), and Master of the Moon (2004). The new versions feature rare and never-before-released live and studio bonus tracks, newly-remastered by longtime DIO collaborator Wyn Davis with updated artwork from frequent DIO designer Marc Sasso.

Long out of print on vinyl, the 180-gram black vinyl includes the original tracklistings and is available as a Limited Edition 1^st run with and LP-sized Lenticular album art print. As a special bonus, the Magica 2-LP also contains a 7" single featuring "Electra," the only known completed track from the planned Magica 2 album.

"I am very excited to be working with BMG, a label that still has a passion for rock music, says Wendy Dio. "They will be making the complete DIO catalog available again with some interesting surprises."

The CD versions of each album have also been long out of print globally. These newly remastered deluxe versions are showcased in mediabook packaging along with a second disc featuring rare and unleased bonus material. In addition to rare studio tracks "Electra" (included on Magica) and "Prisoner of Paradise" (included on Master of the Moon), each bonus disc includes a selection of both rare or never before released live tracks from the accompanying tour for each studio release.

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James Zahn

James Zahn is best-known as The Rock Father™, a media personality, commentator, adventurer and raconteur. He is the Owner, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of THE ROCK FATHER™ Magazine. In January, 2019, after nearly a decade of publishing The Rock Father™ Magazine, he joined Adventure Media and Events as Senior Editor of The Toy Book—the leading trade publication for the toy industry since 1984, as well as The Pop Insider — a destination for all things pop culture, and The Toy Insider — the leading consumer guide for toys and games. He is also editor of The Toy Report, a weekly newsletter published by The Toy Book each Thursday. Zahn has over 27 years of experience in the entertainment, retail and publishing industries.

He regularly serves as a Brand Ambassador and spokesperson for several Globally-recognized pop culture and lifestyle brands in addition to consulting for a number of toy manufacturers.

Creatively, James has directed/edited music videos, lyric videos, and album trailers for bands such as FEAR FACTORY, has appeared as an actor in feature films and commercials, written comic books, and performed in bands. He currently serves as an artist manager and video director for PRODUCT OF HATE, whose debut album was released by Napalm Records in 2016, distributed by ADA/Warner Music in the U.S. with Universal Music handling global. A new album has been completed and is set for release this year.

Zahn and/or his work have been featured in/on CNN, NBC, ABC, WGN, CBS, GCTN, G4, The Chicago Tribune, Forbes, MarketWatch, Reuters, BusinessWire, Fangoria, Starlog and more. He's appeared as a music expert on CNN's AC360 alongside Anderson Cooper, and has been interviewed by Larry King. In the past he served as a writer for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family and PBS KIDS, penned articles for Sprout and PopSugar, and was a contributor to Chicago Parent.

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