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Lock Up the Wolves

by Dio

Released: May 15, 1990

Heavy metal

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

The album marks a significant lineup change for Dio, featuring a new band assembled by Ronnie James Dio, who was the only original member remaining. "Lock Up the Wolves" is the fifth studio album by the heavy metal band Dio, released on May 15, 1990. This album showcases Dio's heavier and darker sound transition, maintaining the band's signature style while exploring new musical territories.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The album was recorded over several months from…

The album was recorded over several months from 1989 to 1990, and it continued Dio's tradition of fantasy and myth-inspired lyrics combined with powerful, melodic metal.

"Lock Up the Wolves" is noted for tracks…

"Lock Up the Wolves" is noted for tracks like "Wild One," "Hey Angel," and the title track, which echo themes of rebellion, introspection, and mythical storytelling.

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Dio - Lock Up the Wolves

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Then

Reception

Notably, it includes 18-year-old guitarist Rowan Robertson, who replaced Craig Goldy. Though the album didn't achieve the commercial success of Dio's earlier works like "Holy Diver," it remains a respected entry in their discography. Despite mixed reviews from critics at the time, it has since been appreciated by fans for its ambitious guitar work and Dio's strong vocal performance.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Lock Up the Wolves" is the fifth studio album by the heavy metal band Dio, released on May 15, 1990. The album marks a significant lineup change for Dio, featuring a new band assembled by Ronnie James Dio, who was the only original member remaining. Notably, it includes 18-year-old guitarist Rowan Robertson, who replaced Craig Goldy. This album showcases Dio's heavier and darker sound transition, maintaining the band's signature style while exploring new musical territories.

The album was recorded over several months from 1989 to 1990, and it continued Dio's tradition of fantasy and myth-inspired lyrics combined with powerful, melodic metal. Despite mixed reviews from critics at the time, it has since been appreciated by fans for its ambitious guitar work and Dio's strong vocal performance.

"Lock Up the Wolves" is noted for tracks like "Wild One," "Hey Angel," and the title track, which echo themes of rebellion, introspection, and mythical storytelling. Though the album didn't achieve the commercial success of Dio's earlier works like "Holy Diver," it remains a respected entry in their discography.