During an appearance on the latest episode of the "100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal" podcast, hosted by Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel, Ronnie James Dio's widow and longtime manager Wendy Dio spoke about the legendary heavy metal singer's decision to leave BLACK SABBATH in 1982.

She explained that Dio had a recording deal with the label while still with the band, but he was not intending to leave permanently.

However, circumstances changed and Dio did depart the band.

Dio went on to release his debut solo album "Holy Diver" under the DIO banner in 1983.

Wendy revealed that Dio wrote two songs for BLACK SABBATH, "Holy Diver" and "Don't Talk To Strangers", which became a part of his early work with the label.

In an interview about Ronnie's creative process, Wendy stated that he would sit and write songs while watching sports with his guitar on his lap.

She also mentioned that Dio used to read science-fiction books for inspiration, citing examples from his lyrics like "Ride the tiger" from the song "Holy Diver".

After departing BLACK SABBATH in early 1982, Dio assembled an impressive group of musicians, including Vinny Appice and Jimmy Bain, to record the "Holy Diver" album.

The album itself was a platinum-certified smash and one of Ronnie's most groundbreaking achievements.

In 2022, Rhino revisited this epic metal moment on the "Super Deluxe Edition", featuring new mixes, remastered tracks, unreleased live performances, and outtakes.

Critically acclaimed and commercially successful, "Holy Diver" contributed two timeless classics to the heavy metal canon: "Rainbow In The Dark" and its title track.

The album ranks No.

16 on Rolling Stone's list of "100 Greatest Metal Albums Of All Time".