Master of the Moon was initially derided as too mid-paced and more than a little rote, and was largely forgotten in the ensuing years as Ronnie James Dio continued touring behind his back catalogue before reuniting with his former Sabbath mates under the Heaven and Hell for a glorious final run. But although the record was by no means one of his best, the last album under the Dio moniker ultimately had its share of simple pleasures, with tunes like “Living the Lie” cruising at a pace that suited Ronnie’s diminished but still compelling (and committed) vocals. Craig Goldy and Simon Wright, as co-writers, both understood exactly what they needed to do, and the riffing and drumming recalled vintage Dio without trying to recreate The Last in Line, so everything from the composition to the performance felt natural for all involved. With the benefit of hindsight, it was much easier to appreciate and even enjoy “Living the Lie” for what it was, which was a driving heavy metal tune played with finesse by a band of lifers and one resolutely focused icon.
