Is an introduction for this band really necessary? This CD comes to you from the incarnation of BLACK SABBATH responsible for such classics as "The Mob Rules" (1981), "Live Evil" (1983), and "Dehumanizer" (1992). They also gave us "Heaven & Hell" (1981), when Bill Ward was on drums before being replaced by Vinny Appice but of course, every true Metal fan already knew that.

This SABBATH lineup, featuring Ronnie James Dio (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass) and Vinny Appice (drums), are back with a live album but not under the BLACK SABBATH moniker but rather HEAVEN AND HELL. Why the name change for the fab four of doom? Numerous rumours were spread about it but let's not get into that. Instead, let's focus on the music. After all, no matter what they call themselves, it's BLACK SABBATH music.

Recorded on March 30, 2007 at New York's Radio City Music Hall, hence the name "Live From Radio City Music Hall", this CD could very well be compared to BLACK SABBATH's "Reunion" (1998), except for one major difference - this album contains only Dio-era songs. Having personally witnessed HEAVEN AND HELL live, I can tell you that it was an out-of-body experience. If you missed that tour, then this album, which is also available on DVD, gives you a really good idea of what you missed. From start to finish, the band delivers high energy on every song they perform. Even well into his sixties, Ronnie James Dio's voice is still as strong and powerful as ever and this is especially evident on songs like "The Mob Rules", "I", and "Heaven & Hell".

In addition to great renditions of those classics tracks, this album also features some lesser-known songs including "Lady Evil" and "Falling Off The Edge Of The World" which only add power to an already awesome set list. No surprise sound-wise as this album offers the typical live BLACK SABBATH sound that fans are used to. So, the good news is the release of a brand new BLACK SABBATH album (albeit under the name HEAVEN AND HELL). The bad news is that we are still left awaiting new songs.