As I stated in my review of Dio's last effort »Killing the Dragon«, this release has all the chances to be an ultimate album. I am not sure if it so, but I have to admit that it has really grown on me. This album has the same effect on me as Dio's previous »Lock Up the Wolves« and »Magica« and also »Dehumanizer« (Black Sabbath). By that I am saying that these albums all grow after each listen. I have found new things that I love every time I've heard »Master of the Moon«.

 Since last release both Doug Aldrich and Jimmy Bain are gone, but the replacements aren't bad at all: Craig Goldy returns on the guitar and Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Whitesnake) handles the bass (although the bass was handled by Jeff Pilson (Dokken) on the record).

 This album is both heavy and really, really catchy. The title track is a slow and doomy monster, »The End of the World« starts off with a riff too similar with AC/DC's »Back In Black«, but except that mistake it is a killer song with a great chorus. My favourite may be »Shivers«, which contains some great guitar-work from Craig. This song sounds nothing like anything Dio has done before. To me it sounds more fresh than anything else on this album.

 The midpart of the album is the most epic-like. Here you find »The Man Who Would Be King« which is a heavy song in the vein of »Egypt« from »The Last In Line«. Here is also »The Eyes« which is another more riff-based song.

 The 4 songs in the end of the album also have many great parts. »Living the Lie« could have been taken from »Sacred Heart« and »I Am« should be played live with it's sing-a-long chorus. »Death By Love« could be the sequel to »Challis« from »Magica«.

 So, all songs mentioned except the opening song »One More For the Road« and the ending song »In Dreams«. And those songs aren't bad either, but doesn't stand out as any classics.

 To end this I have to say this is a fantastic album that hopefully could bring Dio some new fans. If you're looking for an album with heavy music combined with great melodies and the best vocals you can find - get this album as soon as possible. I am impressed!

MÅRRE