Dios Ready for War With Ronnie James Dio ... Again
- Posted on Jul 9th 2009 12:00PM by Benjy Eisen
- Comments (6)
When the Southern California stoner band Dios changed their name to Dios (Malos) back in 2004, it wasn't because they were looking something different. Nor did they mean any ill will towards god or to say that gods are bad, as the Spanish interpretation of that name may imply (technically "dios malos" translates into a singular "god" and a plural "bad"). In fact, they wouldn't have changed their name at all if it weren't for meddling metal man Ronnie James Dio, who had his lawyers send the band a cease and desist letter. "I mean, if you think a band named themselves Dios because they were trying to pluralize Dio then you're a weird dude," guitarist/vocalist Joel Morales tells Spinner. "The lawyers said Dio's fans were being 'confused' by the band name, which kinda explains why they're Dio fans to begin with."
It's funny because it's kinda true. Morales says that, even after the letter, he was still opposed to changing the band name, but went with Dios (Malos) after a long, arduous process in which Dio's lawyers shot down many proposed alternatives. "I thought we should've used the silliness of the whole thing to get our name out more, maybe not even change the name at all and let him sue us," says Morales. "It would've been hilarious and would've been a good story. But there were too many [wimps] in Camp Dios at the time, so no one wanted to go to war with me."
With a new record label, Buddyhead, supporting them, Dios is back to their original one-word name, boldly announced in the title of their new album, 'We Are Dios,' which drops in late July. In the meantime, fans can pick up a digital EP called 'Cosmic Rays,' which features videos, MP3s and photos, and no references to '80s metal bands or post-Ozzy Black Sabbath. At least, as far as we can tell.











Reader Comments(1 of 1)
Angeloat 7-09-2009
This blowhard from this loser band cries about how Dio fans are confused because these clowns ripoff the band's name, yet it's this ripoff band that is confused. If they weren't confused, they wouldn't have stolen the name (yes, I know it's pluralized, but it's still a blatant ripoff), they would have come up with something original. Something they're obviously incapable of doing. Oh well, these Johnny come latelies aren't going to sell any albums anyway. The names my be uncomfortably similar, but that's where the similarities end, you see, Ronnie James Dio and his band actually have talent, and you assbags never have and never will. And by the way, Ronnie James Dio could beat the ever-loving shit out of this sorry-ass guitarist any day. This bozo can only talk tough.
iilanaat 8-13-2009
Angelo, I agree completely. Dio is a known band with known talent.
What can we expect next KISSS or U2S or Metallicas or ACDCS. You know?
Jeffat 7-09-2009
Ronnie James Dio as a singer is great, especially due to him being a midget!! But when you sick lawyers on a new band w/similar name and they offer the new band names to use?? Its time to join your confused fans in a communal suicide and rid the world of idiots, we have enough of you in our government
jeromeat 7-10-2009
"...if you think a band named themselves Dios because they were trying to pluralize Dio then you're a weird dude". hey angelo i think this sentence is for numbnuts like you. are you retarted? the band just said that they weren't trying to name themselves after Dio. Dios is the spanish word for God. ever heard of spanish? the band were right on about the stupidity of Dio fans apparently.
E5150DIOat 11-04-2009
Angelo,dammit you got it right brother!!!
E5150DIOat 11-04-2009
jerome,,,you are such a gayfish , your probably somewhere between 12-17 yrs old you don't have a opinion,,your mother was a hamster and your father smells of elderberries!!