Legends, keyboards, icons, road-pavers…what else can be said about Deep Purple? The status-quo enjoys ranting about “Machine Head” or other timeless releases, yet items created after the pay-day bonanza are left in the dark, forever lonely. Shame on those that willingly ignored everything conceived past “Purpendicular.” The dawn looks on 2005, when the elderly faction produced a mega-fast follow up after 2003’s “Bananas” with “Rapture of the Deep,” another conception attributing the MK-pi lineup of Ian Gillian, Steve Morse on guitar, Ian Paice still drumming, Roger Glover, and the unknown Don Airey that replaced John Lord after his sudden departure. Perhaps this explains why Deep Purple hath experienced modern-day banishment. However, “Rapture of the Deep” is fantastic: epic, cruising, catchy, and one of their best. Quite a gutsy claim, yet the group progresses beyond their usual formula without flaw; again, they show us why Deep Purple has become Deep Purple. They might not have the strength to lift a stack of papers because of old age, but if you can still rock better than your competition, forget those papers! Pick up those instruments, and make me deaf, damn it!

Blackmore and Lord are not present here due to unrelated departures, but do not fear potential dissatisfactions! “Rapture of the Deep” flows in an experimental light when being compared to previous offerings Deep Purple conjured, but only bright glows can be found in the chameleon’s change. Steve Morse has been often viewed like a black sheep, mainly because of his former work as a progressive rock guru; however, his touches from the other side are magical. Morse’s dazzling powers create complicated riffs and insane solos alongside the usual rock side (which rules, I might add) without leading things astray. The riff on the title track, for instance, spells Arabic-folk influences rather than thumping hard rock; although different, it is ultimately the record’s highlight.

Don Airey also fills big shoes like it was his lifelong test, only to match John Lord’s finger-plucking effortlessly. Dripping organs as a waterfall does mist, his atmospheric additions and nutty leads are completely motivating upon this identity. What’s there to say about Ian Paice and Roger Grover? They continue testing themselves: Grover improves his finger-madness to dangerous levels, while Paice tames the percussion with iron sticks and hands quick as sound itself. Now connect them together, and the door opens: progressive-influenced hard rock preaching mighty dynamism. Lyrically, Deep Purple seems a little pissed off, particularly on “MTV” in which the television station receives a verbal haymaker for praising trendy artists instead of well-developed bands; kindly impolite, that’s how you assault with words. Organs, ripping solos, groovy bass, spastic percussion…I’ve reached my rapture!

Ah Ian Gillian, are you just a wonder singer, or the second coming of Christ? We may never know. Regardless, this great vocalist delivers his finest performance in years, or possibly since he joined (or rejoined, or re-rejoined) Deep Purple before time was created. Although in his sixties at the recording, Gillian still nails high-pitched notes with ease, dabbles in bluesy tones, and generally does what we’ve always expected. Throughout certain passages, the original Jesus Christ Superstar adds corky tints unto his shining vocals, like the humorous questioning placed towards the conclusion on “Money Talks.” Again, Gillian’s voice could survive on its own, yet that kind of stuff just rules. Can he ever fall? “No,” said the judge.

Deep Purple is far from dead, folks! As an insurrection of their age, “Rapture of the Deep” is groundbreaking upon this liberation for a new day; they could have relied on basic norms, but newness was applied instead. Quite so, I find our presented record alike a paroxysm, slamming and bashing the listener with everything these gentlemen have, but while staying loyal towards what this respectful tribe always achieves: clumps of consistency, always bouncy and entertaining. “Rapture of the Deep” is the eighteenth record Deep Purple has created within multiple decades of staying louder than everything else, and I can only give you one warning: your shit will be rocked!