A Legendary Chapter in Metal Reopens: HEAVEN & HELL's Final Act Gets a Definitive Release!
Get ready to be transported back to a pivotal era of heavy metal as Rhino unveils "Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007-2009," a comprehensive collection that chronicles the swan song of Ronnie James Dio's indelible connection with BLACK SABBATH's iconic members. This isn't just a reissue; it's a deep dive into the unexpected and triumphant return of Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice, who, alongside the legendary Dio, reignited their creative fire under the moniker HEAVEN & HELL, decades after their initial groundbreaking collaborations.
But here's where it gets truly exciting: This meticulously curated package, arriving on March 27th, will be available in two stunning formats: a 7LP vinyl box set and a 4CD/Blu-ray box set. Both editions are packed with treasures, including a gorgeously illustrated book featuring brand-new liner notes penned by the esteemed Hugh Gilmour, plus a replica tour book and a poster to adorn your sanctuary of sound. For those eager to secure their piece of history, pre-orders are open now!
And this is the part most people miss: For the first time ever, the complete "Live From Radio City Music Hall" performance is being unleashed on vinyl! This collection also boasts eight tracks making their highly anticipated vinyl debut, spanning both studio gems from "The Dio Years" and electrifying live renditions. The Blu-ray disc is a veritable treasure trove, expanding the experience with captivating video footage from "Live From Radio City Music Hall" and "Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell - Live At Wacken," alongside intimate band interviews that offer a glimpse behind the curtain.
To whet your appetite, an HD-upscaled video of the powerful track "Bible Black" is available today. Prepare yourselves for a sonic journey that retraces the band's reunion arc, commencing with their electrifying 2007 New York performance, "Live From Radio City Music Hall." This was followed by the critically acclaimed, Top 10 studio album "The Devil You Know" in 2009, and culminated with the live album "Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell - Live at Wacken," captured later that year during their extensive tour in Germany.
The Tracklist Unveiled:
"Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007-2009" 4CD Track Listing:
Disc One: The Devil You Know
- Atom And Evil
- Fear
- Bible Black
- Double The Pain
- Rock And Roll Angel
- The Turn Of The Screw
- Eating The Cannibals
- Follow The Tears
- Neverwhere
- Breaking Into Heaven
Bonus Tracks from The Dio Years
- The Devil Cried
- Shadow Of The Wind
- Ear In The Wall
Disc Two: Live From Radio City Music Hall
- E5150 / After All (The Dead)
- The Mob Rules
- Children Of The Sea
- Lady Evil
- I
- The Sign Of The Southern Cross
- Voodoo
- The Devil Cried
Disc Three: Live From Radio City Music Hall
- Computer God
- Falling Off the Edge Of The World
- Shadow Of The Wind
- Die Young
- Heaven And Hell
- Lonely Is the Word
- Neon Knights
Disc Four: Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell
- Mob Rules
- Children Of The Sea
- I
- Bible Black
- Time Machine
- Fear
- Falling Off The Edge Of The World
- Follow The Tears
- Die Young
- Heaven And Hell
- Neon Knights
Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007–2009 7LP Track Listing:
LP One: The Devil You Know
Side One
- Atom and Evil
- Fear
- Bible Black
Side Two
- Double The Pain
- Rock And Roll Angel
- The Turn Of The Screw
- Eating The Cannibals
LP Two: The Devil You Know
Side One
- Follow The Tears
- Neverwhere
- Breaking Into Heaven
Side Two: Bonus Tracks
- The Devil Cried (from "The Dio Years")
- Shadow Of The Wind (from "The Dio Years")
- Ear In The Wall (from "The Dio Years")
LP Three: Live from Radio City Music Hall
Side One
- E5150 / After All (The Dead)
- The Mob Rules
- Children Of The Sea
Side Two
- Lady Evil
- I
- The Sign Of The Southern Cross
LP Four: Live from Radio City Music Hall
Side One
- Voodoo
- The Devil Cried
Side Two
- Computer God
- Falling Off the Edge Of The World
- Shadow Of The Wind
LP Five: Live from Radio City Music Hall
Side One
- Die Young
- Heaven And Hell
Side Two
- Lonely Is the Word
- Neon Knights
LP Six: Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell
Side One
- Mob Rules
- Children Of The Sea
- I
Side Two
- Bible Black
- Time Machine
- Fear
LP Seven: Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell
Side One
- Falling Off The Edge Of The World
- Follow The Tears
- Die Young
Side Two
- Heaven And Hell
- Neon Knights
Blu-Ray Video Content:
Live from Radio City Music Hall
Extras:
- Heaven And Hell Road Movie
- Hail The Gods Of Metal
- Meet The Mob
- Radio City
- The Wisdom Of Dio
Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell
Extras:
- 30th-Anniversary Interviews (Ronnie James Dio, Geezer Butler, Vinny Appice, Tony Iommi)
- Ronnie James Dio Tribute (2010) (Tony Iommi, Vinny Appice, Geezer Butler)
For those new to this incredible chapter, Ronnie James Dio first stepped into the BLACK SABBATH fold in 1980, replacing Ozzy Osbourne. His tenure saw the creation of seminal albums like "Heaven And Hell" and "Mob Rules," as well as the live opus "Live Evil." After a departure in 1982, Dio returned a decade later for the album "Dehumanizer." The HEAVEN & HELL project, which saw Dio reunite with Iommi, Butler, and Appice, officially kicked off in 2006. Their sole studio album under this banner, "The Devil You Know," was released in 2009.
Tragically, Ronnie James Dio passed away from stomach cancer on May 16, 2010, at the age of 67. He was globally recognized as one of heavy metal's most influential and revered vocalists. Diagnosed with cancer in late 2009, Dio underwent treatment and made his final public appearance in April 2010 at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards in Los Angeles.
His much-anticipated autobiography, "Rainbow In The Dark: The Autobiography," was published in July 2021.
But here's a point that often sparks debate: The reunion under the HEAVEN & HELL banner in 2006, initially to record three new songs for Rhino's "Black Sabbath: The Dio Years," quickly blossomed into a full-blown world tour. "The Devil You Know" made a significant impact, debuting at No. 8 on The Billboard 200 chart in its first week of release in May 2009, selling 30,000 copies in the United States. This success wasn't just a fleeting moment; it was a testament to the enduring power of these musicians together.
Tony Iommi himself shared poignant reflections on this period. In a September 2022 interview, he spoke of the immense sadness following Dio's passing, especially given how well the band was doing. "We were really on a roll when we'd done [the debut HEAVEN & HELL album] 'The Devil You Know' and we were touring and we were really enjoying it," Iommi recalled. He recounted a conversation with Dio in Japan where they discussed continuing for years to come, a plan tragically cut short. "But it was going so well and we had a great time being together. We loved working together. I loved working with Ronnie." He further elaborated in an April 2021 interview, describing the final tour with Dio as "real precious" and highlighting the deep bond formed within the band. "The last generation of the period with Ronnie was really close — everybody was close. Yeah, Ronnie was such a really nice person."
Iommi also marveled at Dio's unique ability to connect with people. "He gave everybody time," Tony explained. "It was just remarkable. Before the show, he'd have people in his dressing room... And he never warmed up or anything; he'd never done any kind of warming-up procedure before he went on stage. And he'd walk on stage and he'd just [sound] unbelievable; his voice was spot-on. It was just amazing, really, how he could do that." He remembered Dio as a "really nice, caring character," who even called him from the hospital shortly before his passing. "He thought a lot of everybody — he really did. And he loved his fans."
Now, over to you: Does the idea of a band reuniting after so many years and delivering such a powerful body of work resonate with you? Or do you believe that some chapters are best left closed? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear your perspective on this incredible musical legacy!
