There comes a point in the career of every legendary rock band when simply remaining active becomes the story. For Deep Purple, however, longevity has never been enough. Across more than five decades of music, lineup changes, cultural shifts, and the rise and fall of countless trends, they have continued to challenge themselves creatively while remaining unmistakably Deep Purple. With Splat!, the band’s latest studio album, they have achieved something for other artists would be remarkable: a record that feels simultaneously fresh, adventurous, and deeply rooted in the traditions that made them the most influential, and in my humble opinion, the greatest band in history.
From its opening moments, Splat! announces itself with supreme confidence. The album crackles with energy, combining muscular riffs, sophisticated musicianship, memorable melodies, and the kind of chemistry that can only emerge from musicians who have spent decades refining their craft. Rather than relying on nostalgia, This is an album that sounds vital and purposeful, proving once again that age and creativity are not mutually exclusive.
From the opening punch of “Arrogant Boy,” the band sound utterly rejuvenated. It charges from the speakers with the kind of swagger that recalls the classic Machine Head era without ever feeling like an exercise in nostalgia. The riffs are muscular, Ian Paice’s drumming remains irresistibly dynamic, and Don Airey’s keyboards weave effortlessly between vintage Hammond flourishes and modern textures.
“Diablo” follows with an irresistible blend of groove and menace, while “The Rider” and “The Lunatic” showcase the band’s enduring ability to balance melodic sophistication with sheer hard rock power. The wonderfully atmospheric “Sacred Land” provides one of the album’s emotional high points, proving that Deep Purple remain masters of dynamics as well as volume. “The Beating of Wings” is nothing short of a modern-day laid back Blues-infused masterpiece. Then comes the superb “Guilt Trippin’,” a wonderfully inventive piece built around Ian Gillan’s witty lyrical imagination, featuring one of his most spirited vocal performances in years. The title track brings everything together with a satisfying conclusion that perfectly fits the album’s central concept of transformation rather than simple apocalypse.
Deep Purple once again recorded the album by playing together in the studio, capturing the spontaneity and chemistry that have always defined their greatest work. Under the experienced guidance of Bob Ezrin—now collaborating with the band for the sixth consecutive studio album—the performances breathe with the looseness, excitement and interaction that have characterised this band. Gillan himself has remarked that the new material shares the dynamics, balance and sheer fun of the band’s classic 1969–73 period, and that confidence is evident throughout every track.
One of the album’s greatest triumphs is the continued development of Simon McBride. Replacing a guitarist as revered as Steve Morse was never going to be easy, yet on Splat! McBride fully establishes himself not simply as “the new guitarist,” but as an essential part of Deep Purple’s modern identity. Having already impressed on =1, here he plays with even greater confidence, seamlessly combining breathtaking technical ability with a deep understanding of the band’s musical DNA.
McBride wisely avoids trying to imitate either Ritchie Blackmore or Steve Morse. Instead, he draws inspiration from both while allowing his own bluesy phrasing, fiery attack and lyrical soloing to flourish. His guitar work throughout “Arrogant Boy,” “Diablo” and “The Beating of Wings” is particularly outstanding, delivering memorable riffs and expressive solos that feel completely natural within the Deep Purple sound. His chemistry with Don Airey is becoming one of the defining features of the current lineup, their exchanges recalling the classic Blackmore-Lord interplay while remaining entirely contemporary.
Ian Gillan sounds remarkably engaged throughout, delivering performances full of character, humour and power. Roger Glover’s bass playing remains inventive and rock-solid, Ian Paice continues to demonstrate why he remains one of rock’s greatest drummers, and Don Airey once again proves that no keyboard player understands the Deep Purple aesthetic better. Rather than sounding like musicians preserving a legacy, they sound like a band genuinely enjoying making music together.
Many veteran bands struggle to balance innovation with familiarity. Too much experimentation risks alienating longtime fans; too much nostalgia can result in creative stagnation. Deep Purple navigate this challenge better than anyone. The album contains enough classic Purple DNA to satisfy dedicated followers while introducing enough new textures and ideas to keep the music fresh and exciting.
What distinguishes Deep Purple from many of their famed contemporaries is their ongoing commitment to artistic growth. While their classic albums remain essential listening, the band’s story did not end decades ago. They have continued to create meaningful and relevant new music, and Splat! serves as compelling evidence that their creative spark is as bright as it has ever been.
Splat! is a celebration of everything that has made the band extraordinary for more than half a century: fearless musicianship, creative ambition, and an unwavering belief in the pure unadulterated power of rock music.
Donnie’s Rating 10/10
Splat! is out on 3rd July via EarMusic.
