Description
Dio – Lock Up The Wolves – Grey Vinyl Record
Lock Up the Wolves is the fifth studio album by Dio, released on May 15, 1990. This album marked a significant shift for the band, as it featured an entirely new lineup, with Ronnie James Dio being the sole remaining member from previous records. Most notably, it introduced Rowan Robertson, a 17-year-old guitar prodigy, as Dio’s new lead guitarist, bringing a fresh energy to the band’s signature heavy metal sound. Despite these changes, the album still carried Dio’s signature epic, mystical themes and powerful vocal delivery, though it leaned toward a darker, slower, and bluesier tone compared to the fast-paced energy of previous albums.
By 1990, heavy metal was evolving. The dominance of the ’80s glam metal scene was beginning to wane, and the rise of grunge and alternative rock was on the horizon. Meanwhile, Dio had undergone a major transformation in personnel. After the departure of longtime members Craig Goldy (guitar), Jimmy Bain (bass), and Vinny Appice (drums), Dio brought in Rowan Robertson (guitar), Teddy Cook (bass), Simon Wright (drums, formerly of AC/DC), and Jens Johansson (keyboards, known for his work with Yngwie Malmsteen).
The resulting sound of Lock Up the Wolves was heavier, moodier, and more blues-based compared to Dio’s previous albums. The production is darker and less polished, moving away from the anthemic, arena-metal style of Holy Diver (1983) or The Last in Line (1984). Instead, this album takes its time with longer, more atmospheric songs, allowing for more dynamic shifts and deeper emotional impact. Robertson’s guitar work adds a youthful freshness, but his style leans more toward classic heavy metal and bluesy riffs, rather than the neoclassical shredding of Dio’s previous guitarists.
Track Highlights
“Wild One” – The album kicks off with one of its most energetic, classic metal tracks. It’s fast-paced and aggressive, showing that Dio still had fire despite the new lineup.
“Hey Angel” – A slow, moody song with a bluesy edge, showcasing Dio’s ability to convey deep emotion through his voice.
“Between Two Hearts” – A mid-tempo epic with a progressive structure, featuring one of Robertson’s most expressive solos.
“Lock Up the Wolves” – The title track is a slow-burning, doomy epic, filled with menacing riffs and an apocalyptic atmosphere. One of the standout moments of the album.
“Evil on Queen Street” – A gritty, blues-influenced song that feels raw and spontaneous, with a swaggering groove.
“Walk on Water” – A powerful track with sharp, heavy riffs, bringing back some of the Holy Diver-era aggression.
“Twisted” – One of the album’s most underrated tracks, this one blends melodic elements with Dio’s classic storytelling.
“My Eyes” – The album closes with an introspective, almost nostalgic song, where Dio references his past with lyrics like “Sign of the Southern Cross” (a nod to his Black Sabbath days). It serves as both a reflection and a farewell to an era of Dio’s career.
As with most Dio albums, Lock Up the Wolves is filled with mystical, fantasy-inspired lyrics, though there’s a noticeable shift toward darker, more introspective themes. Songs like “Hey Angel” and “Between Two Hearts” explore themes of loss, deception, and morality, while the title track paints a bleak, almost post-apocalyptic vision. The wolves in the album title symbolize both external dangers and internal struggles, reinforcing the album’s darker, more brooding tone.
One of the album’s biggest strengths is Dio’s vocal performance. Even as trends in metal were shifting, Dio remained a powerhouse, his operatic yet gritty voice commanding attention. While the music may have slowed down at times, his ability to bring drama and intensity to every song remained unmatched.
Lock Up the Wolves received mixed reviews upon release. Some fans and critics praised the darker tone, Robertson’s guitar work, and Dio’s commanding presence, while others felt that the album lacked the immediacy and energy of previous records. The absence of longtime members like Vivian Campbell or Craig Goldy led some to view it as a transitional album rather than a definitive Dio classic.
Commercially, the album did not perform as well as its predecessors, failing to produce major hits like “Holy Diver” or “The Last in Line.” However, over time, Lock Up the Wolves has been reassessed more favorably, especially by fans who appreciate its more mature, blues-heavy sound and Dio’s willingness to evolve rather than simply repeat past successes.
Unfortunately, this lineup would not last. By the time Dio returned with Strange Highways (1993), he had reunited with Vinny Appice and Jimmy Bain, and the band’s sound had taken an even darker, heavier turn, influenced by the growing doom and groove metal scenes.
Lock Up the Wolves stands as an underrated gem in Dio’s catalog. While it may not have the instant hooks or iconic status of his early albums, it showcases a darker, more introspective side of his music. Rowan Robertson’s contributions give the album a fresh energy, and Dio’s voice remains as powerful as ever. For fans who enjoy heavier, slower-burning metal with bluesy undertones, this album is worth revisiting.
Record Store Crawl exclusive limited edition
Rhino Records
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Wild One
Hey Angel
Between Two Hearts
Night Music
Lock Up The Wolves
Evil On Queen Street
Walk On Water
Born On The Sun
Twisted
My Eyes
