Earlier this morning, I got a press release sent to me about an upcoming Dio box set. It’s called “Dio: The Studio Album Collection: 1996 – 2004″. This set was mentioned some time ago about Wendy Dio, and is basically a remastered set of the Dio studio albums “Angry Machines”, “Magica”, “Killing the Dragon”, & “Master of the Moon”. All the details from the press release are below…
Some observations from me.
I do not have official artwork for the set. I have requested artwork, so I’ll update if I get some. I mean, we all know what the individual albums’ cover art is, but I was referring to imagery for the overall set.UPDATE: this is not a box set similar to “A Decade of Dio”, these releases are all individual. I initially assumed this was to be a box, I was incorrect.- All of the albums say they’ve had new remasters done for 2019. Magica had remaster done in 2013, when that got released as a 2CD Deluxe edition then. This is probably not that version. The remastering is done by Wyn Davis, who should be known to Dio fans.
- It will be available in digital, CD, & LP formats. The LP versions will not have any of the extra/deluxe tracks (with one exception, noted below). They appear to be just the albums as they were originally.
- There are only two bonus studio tracks here. One is “Electra” (previously released on the 2013 Magica Deluxe Edition), and “Prisoner of Paradise” (previously on Japanese version of Master of the Moon album).
- The 2013 Magica Deluxe Edition also had an instrumental track called Annica, which as originally a Japanese bonus track on the 2000 release. That track is NOT on this release, which is an odd choice.
- It is being released on Feb 21, 2020.
That’s about all I have to add for now. I’ll have more to say later when I get a copy of it so I can hear it, and also comment on the packaging. Below is the press release text, which has a bunch of useful info in it as well, I urge you not to skip it.
The Studio Album Collection: 1996 – 2004
Release Date: February 21, 2020
Rare Live Tracks Available Now!
- Deluxe Newly Remastered Editions of DIO’s Four Studio Albums from 1996-2004
- Limited Edition 1st run of vinyl features lenticular LP-sized album art print
- Long out of print on CD
- 2CD and Streaming/Digital versions feature rare and unreleased bonus tracks
BMG and Niji Entertainment Group Inc. have partnered to reissue DIO‘s 1996-2004 studio albums: Angry Machines (1996), Magica (2000), Killing the Dragon (2002), and Master of the Moon (2004). These newly remastered versions feature rare and never before released live and studio bonus tracks. 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 1st 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.
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.All bonus tracks are also available on the streaming/digital versions. Check the links below to hear rare live tracks from across DIO’s legendary career:
- “Man On The Silver Mountain” – Recorded Live on the Angry Machines Tour
- “Lord Of the Last Day” – Recorded Live on The Magica Tour (FROM JOE – THIS LINK APPEARS TO BE BROKEN)
- “Holy Diver” – Recorded Live on the Killing the Dragon Tour
- “Heaven and Hell” – Recorded Live on the Master of The Moon Tour
Wendy Dio says, “I am very excited to be working with BMG, a label that still has a passion for rock music. They will be making the complete DIO catalogue available again with some interesting surprises.”
Angry Machines
Originally released in 1996 and featuring the line-up of Ronnie James Dio (Vocals), Tracy G (Guitars), Jeff Pilson (Bass), Vinny Appice (Drums) and Scott Warren (Keyboards), the CD/digital version features 12 bonus tracks recorded live on the Angry Machines tour in 1997.
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Disc 1 & LP Tracklist
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Disc 2 – BONUS / LIVE on Angry Machines Tour 1997
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Magica
Originally released in 2000 and featuring the line-up of Ronnie James Dio (Vocals), Craig Goldy (Guitars), Jimmy Bain (Bass), and Simon Wright (Drums), the 2-LP set includes a bonus 7″ of studio track “Electra” and the CD/digital version features 10 never released before Magica tracks performed on tour in 2001.
Note from Joe: This image is from the 2013 Deluxe Edition version of Magica, I had to include it as I don’t have a good quality copy of the original Magica artwork for some reason.
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Disc 1 & LP 1 Tracklist (LP 2 includes Magica Story + bonus 7″)
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Disc 2 – BONUS / Live on Magica Tour 2001
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Killing the Dragon
Originally released in 2002 and featuring the line-up of Ronnie James Dio (Vocals), Doug Aldrich (Guitars), Jimmy Bain (Bass), and Simon Wright (Drums), the CD/digital version includes six tracks recorded live on the Killing The Dragon tour in 2002/2003.
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Disc 1 & LP Tracklist
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Disc 2 – BONUS / LIVE on Killing The Dragon Tour 2002/2003
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Master of the Moon
Originally released in 2004, Master of yhe Moon was the final studio album under the DIO band name and featured the line-up of Ronnie James Dio (Vocals), Craig Goldy (Guitar), Jeff Pilson (Bass), & Simon Wright (Drums). The CD/digital version includes five bonus tracks recorded live on the Master of ohe Moon tour in 2004/2005.
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Disc 1 & LP Tracklist
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Disc 2 – Bonus / Live on Master Of The Moon Tour 2004/2005
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More info to come when I get it. I have feelers out to Wendy’s office, and the press people, will update when I hear back.
Yes – the world is waiting in awe for a remaster of ANGRY MACHINES, well known as the most boring and expandable DIO album of all times.
That leaves the question, when will they torture us with a remaster of STRANGE HIGHWAYS, no2 in the list of better forgettable DIO albums.
But O.K. – no one is forced to buy anything. It is anyones decision anyways.
I will be happy with KILLING T.D. and MASTER O.T.M. (fine Albums I.M.O.)
MAGICA is a double edged sword, a few good Songs but overall a lukewarm output, maybe a transition into the following couple of Albums.
And by the way – Still waiting for a DELUXE edition of LOCK UP THE WOLVES – that would be the icing on the cake. I.M.O. still the last of the “real” DIO albums. I like it very much!!
Looking forward to hear from anyone.
Long Time DIO Fan with a sacred heart – BRUCE
Strange Highways is one of the greatest ads in the history of metal/rock. Not quite sure any metal fan considers it forgettable.
Boing!
Release Date put back to March 20.
Very disappointing.
Head on Folks!
Just recieved the deluxe CDs this week. Have yet bought all four CD, plus the Vinyls.
How disappointing!
No Linernotes at all, blurred bandfotos, especially on Master Of The Moon and Angry Machines, the latter misses “God Hates Heavy Metal” (Japan Bonus Track). As mentioned above, Magica misses “Annica”:
The Vinyls with lenticular frontcover are nice so far, except for Magica: 7″ featuring “Electra” with a blank flipside !!??!!
Would have been the perfect Place for “Annica”.
Who was responsible for those disappointingly research?
It’s a shame!
It was never supposed to be a comprehensive release with all known extras and bonuses. That’s another set yet to come.
Dear Joe: “That’s another thing to come” ???
Oh yes – and in the overnext edition another “never before released studio track” emerges and the fans be forced to buy the whole thing again.
Don’t get me wrong – I love Dio and his music, but the management, distributors and record companies are milking the cow again and again and again.
It’s disgusting!
Be advised, as mentioned above:
Magica is missing the instrumental “Annica”
Angry Machines is missing “God Hates Heavy Metal”
I was hoping for Rock Candy Records style liner notes.
Disappointing to say the least