DIO: Killing The Dragon (Swirl Coloured Vinyl)

Killing the Dragon is the ninth studio album by American heavy metal band Dio. It was released May 21, 2002 through Spitfire Records and was produced by frontman Ronnie James Dio.

In an interview on the TV show Uranium, Dio stated that the “dragon” of the album title refers to technology. He expressed concern with it threatening society in the future. Dio elaborated that the title track refers to “those who perpetrate injustices and what the world is doing to stop them. In fantasy tales, dragons were notorious for stealing children and feeding them to their babies. During the first part of the song, I sing ‘Someone has taken a child.’ The second part is about a cruel feudal lord. The third part is about ‘electronic serfdom.'” He also expressed belief that the computer has become a god in modern society. “It is a small god with an electrical heart (…) It is time to rebel against it.”

Killing the Dragon introduces guitarist Doug Aldrich to the band. He had previously performed with Burning Rain and subsequently went on to join the band Whitesnake. Previous guitarist, Craig Goldy, co-wrote some of the songs before leaving the band. He returned for 2004’s Master of the Moon. It is their final album with bassist Jimmy Bain.