Dio – Holy Diver represents the heavy metal legend's monumental debut, captured in this pristine Japanese first pressing that preserves the album's foundational power and mythic storytelling. Released in 1983, this album established Ronnie James Dio as a solo force of nature, creating a definitive heavy metal universe with a band in perfect synergy, presented in a premium Japanese package that honors its legacy. The Japanese pressing reveals the album's iconic production with stunning fidelity. From the explosive opening of "Stand Up and Shout" to the epic title track "Holy Diver" and the timeless anthem "Rainbow in the Dark," every classic riff and soaring vocal emerges with breathtaking clarity and power. Dio's legendary vocals are commanding and present, while Vivian Campbell's groundbreaking guitar work and the thunderous rhythm section benefit from the exceptional Japanese audio engineering. The album's perfect fusion of melodic heavy metal and dark fantasy sounds more vital and powerful than ever in this superb pressing. This copy is exceptional for its near-mint to mint condition and completeness. The OBI strip is vibrant and fully intact, the insert is crisp and well-preserved with lyrics and artwork, adding significant collector appeal. The vinyl plays with silent, clear sound that captures every detail of this heavy metal cornerstone. The iconic cover artwork—featuring the demonic figure battling a priest—looks particularly striking in this Japanese edition, perfectly capturing the album's themes of struggle, myth, and metal triumph. The definitive heavy metal debut from one of the genre's greatest voices, preserved in exceptional, near-perfect collector's condition. DETAILED TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION Artist / Title: Dio - Holy Diver Format / Pressing: Vinyl LP - First Japanese pressing Label & Catalog Number: Mercury – 25PP-87 Year / Country: 1983 - Japan Sleeve/Cover Condition: Near Mint to Mint - Extremely clean, glossy, with sharp corners and minimal signs of age Media Condition: Near Mint to Mint - Visually excellent, plays flawlessly with no surface noise Contents: Complete with original OBI strip and insert TRACKLIST Side One: Stand Up and Shout Holy Diver Gypsy Caught in the Middle Don't Talk to Strangers Side Two: Straight Through the Heart Invisible Rainbow in the Dark Shame on the Night COLLECTOR'S HIGHLIGHTS Rarity: First Japanese pressing in near-mint to mint condition Special Features: Includes OBI strip and insert Musical Content: Foundational heavy metal classic featuring "Holy Diver," "Rainbow in the Dark," and "Stand Up and Shout" Authenticity: Confirmed by Mercury Japan catalog number 25PP-87 SALE TERMS & SHIPPING Shipping: Within 1 or 2 business days after payment Packaging: Professional, secure vinyl mailer | Record shipped outside the cover to prevent seam splits Vinyl Care: All our vinyl records are professionally cleaned with an ultrasonic machine before shipping. We also include a free outer sleeve and new inner sleeve. Shipping Areas: Worldwide Payment: Required within 3 days after auction closes ABOUT THE SELLER A passionate collector for over 30 years, my journey through music has been a lifelong adventure. With the creation of STREAMZER, I've chosen to share this profound love for music and records with enthusiasts around the world. Each record from my collection has been carefully selected, stored in optimal conditions, and handled with the respect that these musical treasures deserve. I'm delighted to offer these pieces to fellow music lovers who understand their true value. Happy bidding! Musically, Olivier