Rainbow – Rainbow Rising / Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow

Rainbow – Rainbow Rising / Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow

A powerful collection of early Rainbow, bringing together the band's landmark hard rock recordings from Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow (1975) and Rising (1976). Featuring the formidable partnership of guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and vocalist Ronnie James Dio, this selection captures a pivotal period in the development of heavy rock, when blues-rooted guitar riffs, classical influences, fantasy-inspired songwriting and increasingly ambitious arrangements were shaping a new direction for the genre.

Formed by former Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore following his departure from the band, Rainbow provided the perfect vehicle for his distinctive guitar playing and increasingly adventurous musical ambitions. The arrival of Ronnie James Dio proved particularly significant. His commanding, theatrical vocal delivery and imaginative lyrical themes brought a dramatic new dimension to Blackmore's compositions, helping establish the distinctive identity that would make Rainbow such an influential force in hard rock and heavy metal.

The Rising material features the classic Rainbow line-up of Blackmore, Dio, keyboardist Tony Carey, bassist Jimmy Bain and powerhouse drummer Cozy Powell. Released in 1976, Rising marked a major creative leap, combining muscular hard rock with grandiose arrangements, progressive structures and a darker, almost mythical atmosphere. Tracks such as 'Tarot Woman', 'Stargazer' and 'A Light In The Black' demonstrate the band's ability to balance intricate musicianship with monumental riffs, dramatic vocal performances and expansive compositions. 'Stargazer', in particular, stands as one of Rainbow's defining achievements, distinguished by its epic storytelling, orchestral elements and sweeping sense of scale.

The earlier Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow recordings showcase the band's original 1975 line-up, with Blackmore and Dio joined by musicians from Dio's former group Elf. This material has a somewhat looser, bluesier hard rock character, while already revealing the medieval and fantasy influences that would become central to Rainbow's musical identity. 'Man On The Silver Mountain' remains one of the band's signature songs, while 'Catch The Rainbow' offers a more atmospheric, melodic approach, highlighting Dio's expressive vocals and Blackmore's carefully constructed guitar work. 'The Temple Of The King' further demonstrates the group's ability to move beyond conventional hard rock into more reflective, acoustic and folk-influenced territory.

Together, these recordings illustrate the transformation of Rainbow from an exciting new project into one of the most important bands in the evolution of classic hard rock and early heavy metal. Blackmore's fiery guitar playing, Dio's unmistakable voice, powerful rhythm sections and richly layered keyboard arrangements make this an excellent overview of the band's formative years.

An appealing selection for fans of Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Dio and classic 1970s heavy rock, as well as collectors interested in the foundations of melodic heavy metal and the more progressive, fantasy-inspired side of the genre.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Tarot Woman

2. Run With The Wolf

3. Starstruck

4. Do You Close Your Eyes

Side B

1. Stargazer

2. A Light In The Black

Side C

1. Man On The Silver Mountain

2. Self Portrait

3. Black Sheep Of The Family

4. Catch The Rainbow

Side D

1. Snake Charmer

2. The Temple Of The King

3. If You Don't Like Rock 'N' Roll

4. Sixteenth Century Greensleeves

5. Still I'm Sad