Rising [Remastered] - Rainbow

Rainbow's second attempt at making an album…and what an effort! Combine the guitar mastery of Ritchie Blackmore with the vocal talent of Ronnie James Dio and you're onto something very special. When you add a rhythm section consisting of Jimmy Bain (Bass), the late great Cozy Powell on Drums and throw in Tony Carey (Keyboards) for good measure; it comes as no surprise when I tell you that this is one of the greatest Hard Rock albums ever created.
...introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Its magical weaving lets you know this album is somewhat different to that of which you are commonly associated. After some build-up, the guitar enters softly, the drums roar and the roller coaster is on its way. Dio triumphantly soars above the track and takes control. The balance is perfect throughout and the solo and scattered drum fills keep the piece interesting and lively throughout. ... more

Rainbow's second attempt at making an album…and what an effort! Combine the guitar mastery of Ritchie Blackmore with the vocal talent of Ronnie James Dio and you're onto something very special. When you add a rhythm section consisting of Jimmy Bain (Bass), the late great Cozy Powell on Drums and throw in Tony Carey (Keyboards) for good measure; it comes as no surprise when I tell you that this is one of the greatest Hard Rock albums ever created.

The album kicks off with a Keyboard introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Its magical weaving lets you know this album is somewhat different to that of which you are commonly associated. After some build-up, the guitar enters softly, the drums roar and the roller coaster is on its way. Dio triumphantly soars above the track and takes control. The balance is perfect throughout and the solo and scattered drum fills keep the piece interesting and lively throughout. The song uses the trademark Dio 'fantasy' theme which works extremely well with the neo-classical stylings of Blackmore, to transform you to a time of Dragons and Wizards. This is 'Tarot Woman' - this is Rainbow.

Followed shortly after is 'Run With The Wolf'. Unlike the previous track, this is more guitar driven but nonetheless, just as powerful. Dio develops more of a 'growl' for this song and glides up and down his vocal range with ease. It has slightly 'swingier' feel but continues onwards all the same.

'Starstruck' carries the torch of the 'RWTW' and makes the album shine ever brighter. One of the 'catchier' songs on the album as it utilises a more 'mainstream' sound. Don't worry folks; it's still as raw as ever with its dominant riff and powerful drumming performed by the maestros of rock.

Nothing slows down as we bounce along to our next song; just one question 'Do You Close Your Eyes?' Some of the bluesy elements are lost in this song to encompass a sound more commonly heard in Heavy Metal (I personally believe this about the album from this point onwards). Everything moves along nicely here right up to the end of the track.

This is when Rainbow 'turn it up to eleven' and stop the show with a breathtaking performance of 'Stargazer'. The song opens with a drum solo that is enough to make any head turn. Once it draws you in it literally roundhouse kicks you in the face when the riff begins. Unmatched power and raw uncompromising energy is the order of the day from this point forth. With the help of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, a tale of Wizardry unfolds and bountiful imagery appears before your eyes. Authority ebbs from every orifice in this song and the playing is so tight you couldn't separate it with a samurai sword. After Dio floats around the melody for a while, the guitar solo kicks in. This is epic…this is monstrous…this rock heaven! Virtuosic playing surrounds you and the song reaches its semi-climax, like an orgasm for the ears. After a brief pause the drums rumble and continue the onslaught. The song goes on and we finish at the climax. Dio wails above all, the drums go crazy and the keyboards, orchestra and guitar chants an anthem-esque riff to fade the piece to a colossal finish.

Before you have chance to breathe, the finisher begins, 'A Light In The Black'. This speed demon will have you banging your head no matter where you are. The drums pound and the guitar cockily glides along. The highlight of this track is of course the huge solo that employs the guitar and keyboards to steer the piece along. Technical Ecstasy? I'd say so. Dio screams to amazing heights by exploiting his enormous lungs, Blackmore conquers the guitar victoriously, Carey floats definitively on the Keys and Powell's drums just plain sound mammoth. The song crashes to an ending and leaves you wanting more.

In all, this should not be seen as album, more as a journey around the imagination of Dio and Blackmore, encapsulated in sound. So lock the doors, close the curtains and enter a world of fantasy, flair, magnificence, glory, power, might and above all, an unswerving desire for excellence - this is Rainbow. 

...less