Using the word standard was perhaps a bit harsh as they (the Dio incarnation of the band) didn't exactly sound overly similar to their NWOBHM cotemporaries, they just had a similar style and approach. It's just that for me in comparison to their classic era, the Dio albums are just so uninteresting (I must stress in comparison).

Well yeah, musically ( and especially riff-wise) they're not even close. Most people who prefer Dio era do so solely
because of the vocals, which is never what Sabbath have been all about.

'but if you isn't a fan of Black Sabbath'

Fix that ^
Pretty good review though

Album Rating: 3.5

Just heard a song of Sabbath with Dio for the first time, Neon Knights. WTF, it sounds like Iron Maiden.(Yeah, I know Heaven And Hell and Iron Maiden's debut are from the same year.)

Neon Knights sounds like Black Sabbath to me. Just a different Sabbath

Album Rating: 3.5

It doesn't sound like Maiden for me

I'll go bump the H&H thread.

Album Rating: 3.5

Yeah, the riff still rules. Actually, i'm curious to hear it and i'm downloading the album right now.

The guitar playing is nothing like Maiden or any other NWOBHM band really

H&H has been duly bumped.

Album Rating: 3.5

I'm hearing it and Led Zeppelin II tonight. Hopefully they're both good as you guys say.