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The true man in black.

Not only is Ritchie Blackmore the best rock guitarist of all time, but he also managed to maintain style and mystique through it all. Deep Purple is beyond great, but the first three Rainbow records are three of the best hard rock records of all time (particularly "Rising"). Cozy Powell's style to me compliments Ritchie's so much more. His use of double bass and more synchopated fills holds the music together so well. Quite the step up from his previous gig with Jeff Beck... Dio's finest vocal performances are also on these records. It's the perfect combination of operatic and rock. Best lyrics also. Stargazer? A light in the black? Tarot woman? Fuuuck!