Deep Purple praises new album for reviving their classic 1970s rock sound
Deep Purple’s frontman Ian Gillan recently heralded the upcoming release of the band’s 24th studio album, Splat!, as a significant return to the vigorous essence of their early 1970s rock sound, featuring the musical dynamics, equilibrium, and sheer enjoyment that defined that era. The iconic British rock ensemble, established in 1968, is set to drop the new record on 3 July, collaborating with well-respected producer Bob Ezrin, renowned for his work with music heavyweights like Kiss, Pink Floyd, and Lou Reed. Described as a revival of Deep Purple’s classic sound, Splat! has been touted as the band’s heaviest album in many years, offering a potent auditory experience for fans.
Gillan’s excitement about the band’s current trajectory is palpable, acknowledging the contemporary incarnation of Deep Purple as a distinctly present-day version reminiscent of the band’s 1970s prime. He expressed, “Where we are now with this incarnation of Deep Purple feels very much like a very ‘now’ version of Deep Purple as it was in the 70s.” Moreover, he affirmed, “I have to say, now we are very much back in with material that is compatible with Highway Star, Smoke On The Water, Lazy – the dynamics, the balance, and the fun of the music we made from 69 to 73. Deep Purple is in a great place right now.”
Deep Purple’s towering influence in heavy metal and modern hard rock is underscored by anthems such as Smoke On The Water, a song immortalized in their 1972 album Machine Head. Marked by its unforgettable guitar riff, Smoke On The Water recounts the true-life events of the 1971 Montreux Casino fire, while other tracks like Highway Star and Lazy also feature prominently on the album.
The band’s devotees can look forward to experiencing their timeless music live later this year on a UK tour commencing in Newcastle on 18 November. The tour will visit cities like Glasgow, Birmingham, and Manchester, culminating in shows at the Eventim Apollo and the Royal Albert Hall in London on 24 and 25 November. Additionally, Deep Purple recently enjoyed a special encounter with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a fervent admirer of hard rock and heavy metal music, during their return to the country they first toured over five decades ago. Ms Takaichi, known for her enthusiasm for hard-rock bands like Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, and Iron Maiden, showcased her skills as an amateur drummer during the meeting.
The Prime Minister presented drummer Ian Paice with a set of autographed Japanese drumsticks, expressing her adoration by saying, “You are my god” in English. Ms Takaichi went on to share her enduring connection to Deep Purple’s music, citing how she first acquired the band’s iconic Machine Head album during her school years, which featured hits like “Smoke on the Water” and “Highway Star.” She playfully recounted her stint as a keyboardist in a Deep Purple tribute band during middle school, transitioning to drums in university and humorously mentioning her unconventional use of music to vent frustrations with her husband.
In conclusion, Deep Purple’s upcoming album, Splat!, is poised to capture the essence of the band’s iconic ’70s rock sound, uniting fans and newcomers alike who are eager to partake in the musical legacy of this celebrated British group.