I've got a lot of respect for 'Dio' but even I have to admit this is his weakest release. The style of the album is along the lines of 'Strange Highways' only more 'Industrial' and more plodding, I have to say, it does appear 'Dio' jumped on the bandwagon of the day with 'Angry Machines'. Even 'Ronnie's' excellent vocals don't come across so crisply with the thick production and lyrically a lot of tracks aren't up to his normal standard and even the presence of the talented 'Jeff Pilson' does little to improve matters.

'Angry Machines' opens with 'Institutional Man' a heavy hitting plodder, which features hefty basslines, strong vocals from 'Ronnie' and decent fret work, not the usual type of work we expect, but far from a poor effort. Brisker in approach is 'Don't Tell the Kids' a hook laden thumper with a fine grooving intro, let down only by average lyrics, the instrumental break is a highlight though. The pace is dropped for the pretty awful 'Black' a repetitive number with an unimaginative chorus and although 'Tracy G' drops in a couple of fine licks here and there it's still a depressing affair. Improvements are made with 'Hunter of the Heart', the first time I heard this was on the live album 'Dio's Inferno The Last in Live' and although that version if swifter and flows a lot better, this is still a good rendition complete with thumping bass and much improved lyrics. Next up is the 'Jeff Pilson' written 'Stay out of my Mind', not really his best work, the penmanship is lacking a little and while 'Dio' sounds especially strong and the unexpected string and keyboards take you by surprise, it still doesn't make the grade. 'Big Sister' follows and feature an awkward 'Industrial' feel which combines with a boring plodding approach that makes this an especially dull effort, despite the late pick featuring some choice guitaring. 'Double Monday' is an improvement, the pulsating rhythm work is strong and combines with the mid track tempo drop to make for a decent cut, overlooking some dodgy lyrics. The next track 'Golden Rules' is a real mixed bag, with uneven penmanship and a chorus which is just awful, glimpses of crunchy fret work are present, but the intro and outro add nothing to the song. Progress is made with the plodding 'Dying in America' a pretty decent effort, with improved lyrics, the usual fine vocals and plenty of nice touches along the way. 'This is your Life' closes the album, a surprising vocal and piano piece that while excellently sung is a fairly lifeless number, similar in approach to 'Savatage' but not to their high standards.

As with 'Strange Highways' there's some nice touches along the way, but classic 'Dio' this isn't and lets be honest that's what we all want. Don't give up on the vocal legend though he turns things around again with the concept album 'Magica'.