Heaven And Hell

Ronnie James Dio assumed the lead vocal duties while the group faced a period of instability. His operatic singing style changed the band direction by turning their dark and heavy riffs into melodic compositions. This transition moved the music away from the sludgy blues influences that characterized their earlier records.

Martin Birch produced the record and applied a polished finish that became standard for early eighties heavy metal. This technical direction moved the band toward a high-fantasy style. By shedding the blues roots of the previous decade, the group reached a new level of refinement.