Whether by choice or circumstance the lineup for 'Lock up the Wolves' is drastically different to that of the first four albums. Out go the established players 'Jimmy Bain', 'Craig Goldy' and 'Vinnie Appice' and in come relative unknowns by the way of bassist 'Teddy Cook' and 18 year old guitar whiz 'Rowan Robertson', they are joined by former 'AC/DC' drummer 'Simon Wright' and established keyboard man 'Jens Johansson'. Along with a fresh lineup, the sound is also different, while its just as heavy as previous releases (well maybe not 'Holy Diver'), it takes a more melodic approach and is a far cry from 'Dio's' next two studio albums. 'Lock up the Wolves' is overlooked and underrated in my opinion, although there are a couple of duff songs present, including the weak title track, there is some really strong material, which receives little or no credit.

The opening track 'Wild One' starts the album off in good stead, with strong driving rhythm work that propels the whole track, 'Rowan Robertson' immediately shows his ability with nice solos and choice hooks, lyrically it's not one of 'Dio's' best, but still is a good first cut. More strong work is displayed on 'Born on the Sun', a slower plodding number, that's well written and excellently performed, I especially like the outro, with the melodic chanting blending in with the rolling rhythm- nice. Continuing if fine form is the drum and bass heavy 'Hey Angel', another strong plodder, that while lyrically is no masterpiece is still an enjoyable track. Things start to slip a bit mid album and I think it's these tracks that give the album it's mediocre reputation. 'Between Two Hearts' starts off very melodic with subtle keyboard work and 'Ronnie's crisp harmonious vocals, but it goes down hill fast and turns into a repetitive lacklustre effort. 'Night Music' sounds like a rework of 'Night People' from the previous release, this however isn't up to that track and ends up sounding just plain average. One thing you can usually be sure about 'Dio' albums is the title track will be really strong e.g. 'Last in Line', 'Holy Diver' 'Dream Evil', but 'Lock up the Wolves' is disappointing, this 8 minute epic drags at a snails pace and while there are some solid vocals and guitar work along the way, its pretty boring. Just as disappointing is the dull plodder 'Evil on Queen Street' a track that is only saved by a choice solo from 'Rowan Robertson'. Just when you though 'Dio' had lost it, the album picks back up. 'Walk on Water' is an upbeat rocker, full of neck wrenching rhythm, top shredding and while the lyrics are basic they are effective and excellently sung. 'Twisted' while the weakest of the last four tracks, is still a solid pounder 'Dio' style. Next up is one of there best and most overlooked songs, in fact I think it didn't even make it onto the tape version. 'Why are they Watching Me' is the strongest track on 'Lock up the Wolves', the rhythm work is glorious and makes for one of the freshest sounding tracks present- checkout the mid instrumental break and 'Ronnie's', powerful vocals. The album closes on a high note with the accomplished slower track 'My Eyes', a beautifully sung balladsy intro builds into a mid paced number and then closes as a rocker.

A good mix of weak and strong, but for me the latter outweighs the former and in my opinion this was 'Dio's' best album since 'Last in Line'.