The Cassette Chronicles #216 - Dio - Lock Up The Wolves

[TageRyche]

My new Cassette Chronicles article this week takes a look back at the Dio album Lock Up The Wolves. You can check it out via this Limelight Magazine.com link.

[Yngve J. Chapleen]

I'm one of those who did not connect with this album.
Used to have it on cassette back home when it came out, and I left the tape there when I moved. Later I bought the CD, hoping that perhaps the sound was bad, however, still nothing. I put that CD up for sale. Some of the stuff I'm selling might be second-copy or third or were upgraded in some way at one point, but this album is for sale because I don't find it very interesting.

I also remember the hype around the wunderkid guitarist, and I think the disappointment in him led to appreciate the album less as well. He ain't special. I don't think he did anything outside this album noteworthy either. Maybe it was the complete band change, maybe Dio was already concentrating on the Black Sabbath reunion. I don't know. All I do know is that this is the weakest Dio album for my money.

[TageRyche]

Clearly we disagree about the quality of the album. But like you, I'm not sure what else Rowan Robertson did after this album. I had to look it up and he's been very active throughout the years in various projects and bands. 

Look him up on Wikipedia, he's had a very varied career.

[Yngve J. Chapleen]

I know he didn't disappear from the music scene. I might even have something where he played a guest solo, I just can't recall what, from the top of my head. Obviously didn't leave a huge impression on me. That's not saying he isn't good, just remember how I scratched my head upon hearing him play on this album. Media hype is not always a good thing. Jason Becker came around the same time (and at same age). There is a huge difference between the two players.