November 19, 2010

Reviewer: Rottenbucher

The CD companion to Heaven and Hell’s Neon Nights: Live in Europe DVD slightly edits the live performance to fit on one disc. Both “E5150” and “Country Girl” have been omitted.  Also excised are Ronnie James Dio’s between-song crowd interactions and Vinny Appice’s drum solo at the end of “Time Machine.” The amendments do not hamper the flow or feel of the disc.  Even with the trims, the Neon Nights: Live in Europe is crammed to the disc’s edges with one of the most intense performances from the legendary band. 

The sound of Neon Nights: Live in Europe is simply massive.  Songs from Heaven and Hell, Mob Rules and Dehumanizer are beefed up to match the crushing tracks from The Devil You Know. Both “Children of the Sea” and “I” ooze with dense, destructive riffing that is much heavier here than on the studio and previous live recordings.  “Time Machine” also packs a hefty punch while both “Die Young” and “Falling off the Edge of the World” also are just a tad crunchier. At over 17-minutes long, this version “Heaven and Hell” is the longest ever captured and the audience interaction makes it one of most memorable.  Also notable is that “Follow the Tears” obliterates the studio version in terms of heaviness. Iommi has never had a more vicious guitar tone.  The other two tracks from The Devil You Know also have a beefier guitar sound and performed with a brilliant energy.  Producer Wyn Davis (who also worked on Dio’s recently released At Donnington set) did one hell of a job.

The band’s performance is one for the books. 2007’s Live from Radio City Music Hall is much more relaxed compared to Neon Nights: Live in Europe.  Obviously the band is trying to rattle skulls all the way in the back of the Wacken festival, or at least sober up those that drank too much Beck’s earlier in the day. It also makes for a great comparison as these two shows find Heaven and Hell commanding two different settings.  Both show a band of seasoned veterans loving their audience and dominating the stage.

So with four previously unrecorded live tracks, seven killer classics, a gargantuan sound and sadly the last recorded live performance from Ronnie James Dio, Neon Nights: Live in Europe proves to be an essential disc. Highly recommended for those blown away by the identically-titled concert DVD.

Release Date: November 9th, 2010
Label: Armoury Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Mob Rules
2.  Children of the Sea
3.  I
4.  Bible Black
5.  Time Machine
6.  Fear
7.  Falling Off the Edge of the World
8.  Follow the Tears
9.  Die Young
10.  Heaven and Hell
11.  Neon Knights

Total playing time:  74:28

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments:

Heaven and Hell - Neon Nights: Live in Europe (CD)

Check out Rottenbucher's review of the DVD:
Heaven and Hell - Neon Nights: Live in Europe here: