A to Z Band Challenge : The Letter D

Doi, Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain

It will be hard containing this one to the first five that come to mind, but I will try.

Dio -

Ronnie James Dio was, in my opinion, one of greatest singers who ever lived. RIP, Ronnie. You were a true wizard on stage. You mesmerized your audiences with both your phenomenal voice, and your massive stage presence. There is no other like you...try though they may. Joe Lynn Turner could not replace him in Rainbow, nor can Tony Martin in Sabbath...sorry guys, no offense intended...just how I see things. Dio is still a major influence on me. His large body of work, with various groups, and as a solo artist still influences many besides myself. 

He was, in my opinion, the greatest metal vocalist of all time. He was all dark and brooding...almost menacing, and yet all rainbows, stars, love, and magic at the same time. My 17 year old daughter is obsessed to this day with "Love is All" from his work with Roger Glover on "The Butterfly Ball".

A favorite Dio song is extremely hard to pick, for there are so many great ones. "Lock Up the Wolves", "Don't Talk to Strangers", "Evil on Queen Street", "Between Two Hearts", "Holy Diver","Hey Angel" "The Eyes", "My Eyes", and "The Last in Line" are but a few. This does not even include his work with Elf, Rainbow, Sabbath, Heaven and Hell, etc., about which I could go on for days...quite literally! If you are in the mood for a good story, listen to Ronnie telling the one of "Magica" at the end of the album. It lasts almost 20 minutes, and is well worth your time. 

The Deftones -

Generally classed as alternative, I personally find The Deftones to have very Gothic elements. A few favorites would be "Prince",  "Passenger" (featuring Maynard from Tool), and "Beware the Water", but I could go on and on...and of course, most will be familiar with "Change, in the House of Flies" used in various soundtracks, including "Queen of the Damned". A newer tune I really like would be "Diamond Eyes".

Disturbed - 

Classed as "nu metal", I simply find them to be "heavy"...which I love, of course. Then there are David Draiman's massive vocals...also heavy! I love the first two albums best, but the last few were good too. They are disbanded now, of course, and Draiman has a new band. Among my faves from Disturbed would be "Voices", which was the first one I heard by them. It still impresses me vocally to this day. "Bleeding", "Enemy" "Deify", "Liberate", "Awaken",and "Believe" are but a few more I genuinely love. 

Deep Purple -

I am a huge fan of both Ritchie Blackmore and Glenn Hughes, so Purple has to make the list. A few favorites would be, "Child in Time" (often considered their "Stairway to Heaven"), "Burn" ( I can do without David Coverdale, but Glenn Hughes is nothing short of AWESOME), and "Space Truckin'". With the sad demise of Dio, Hughes is now my pick for greatest living singer. More on that later...

David Bowie -

I almost put Dream Theater here, but Bowie is the man. He should probably be in the "B's", but that would have caused more issues there. I love all things Bowie. I think he is an amazing singer, musician, songwriter, and also a phenomenal actor. From the "Goblin king" in "Labyrinth", to Nikola Tesla in "The Prestige", I think I love his soundtracks best of all, so I am not just harping on his acting. "The Man Who Fell to Earth", his first acting role would have benefited greatly had he done the music, as well, and "Cat People" features what I believe to be some of his best work. Bowie has done far more work on soundtracks than most people realize. It is all amazing. 

Danzig -

Okay, this is six..so sue me! I loved Danzig with the Misfits, and with Samhain. I love him best on his own. Most will disagree with me, if only because he seems such an ass to them now days. News flash people - maybe he always was. I don't even now that any of this is true. I have heard people attending his performances say he was an ass, but I have also heard them say he was fabulous, and waited all night just to meet with all the fans in line to greet him. I pay little attention to such trivial matters that seem to feed the preoccupations of the "public". 

I could care less what his personality may be like. I love his music. It is phenomenal...let it speak for itself. A few favorites of mine by Danzig would include, "Possession", "Devil's Plaything", "Snake of Christ", "Can't Speak", "Without Light I Am", "Kiss the Skull", "How the Gods Kill", "A Thousand Devil's Reign", "Sacrifice", "The Stalker Song", and "Ashes". Much to chew on there, and those are only a few! I could name MANY more, believe me. The man has a massive repertoire of great songs, the very "mood" of which cannot be ignored. Satanic Punk Goth at its finest, or simply good heavy rock. However you which to view it, his talent cannot be denied.

Portions of this article where originally published on Bubblews, November 2nd, 2013. It has been expanded upon greatly here.