Dio - Holy Diver

Before forming Dio and recording Holy Diver in 1983, Ronnie James Dio was the lead singer for Elf, Rainbow, and Black Sabbath. He fronted Rainbow from 1975 to 1979 before replacing Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath in 1979. Dio formed his solo band after leaving Black Sabbath in 1982.

The album features Irish guitarist Vivian Campbell, who provided the heavy riffs and blistering solos that defined the band's early sound. The lineup also consisted of bassist Jimmy Bain, who had previously played in Rainbow, and drummer Vinny Appice, who played with Dio in Black Sabbath. Ronnie James Dio himself also played keyboards on the record.

The lyrics to "Holy Diver" deal with a messiah-like figure descending into a dark, dangerous world to save it, using metaphors of magic and peril. Dio was known for his fantastical and mythological lyrical themes, stepping away from the typical rock-and-roll subjects. The song features an iconic, driving bassline and a memorable, aggressive guitar solo.

Holy Diver was released on May 25, 1983, by Warner Bros. Records. It served as the debut album for the newly formed band Dio. The album was a major hit, reaching number 61 on the Billboard 200 and eventually achieving platinum certification in the United States.