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SPLAT! is the 24th studio album by the legendary British hard rock band Deep Purple, released on July 3, 2026, via earMUSIC. The record serves as a follow-up to =1 (2024) and marks the band’s second album featuring guitarist Simon McBride. Bob Ezrin produced the album once again, continuing his work with Deep Purple that began with Now What?! (2013). The release is described as one of the band’s heaviest and most energetic albums in decades, blending the classic bluesy drive of the Mark II era with a refined modern sound.

Interestingly, the title SPLAT! started almost as a joke following the previous album Whoosh! (2020). Bassist Roger Glover shared that while he was initially hesitant about the title, Ian Gillan was completely confident in the choice. Ultimately, the band settled on a simple, memorable word that fits the humorous and absurd tone of some of the material.

Despite its playful name, SPLAT! carries a rather unusual concept. Conceived by Ian Gillan, the idea focuses not on a literal apocalypse, but on the end of humanity as a transformation — a transition from physical existence into something else. This dark concept is intentionally delivered through Deep Purple’s signature humor, absurdity, and rock ‘n’ roll energy.

This time, the musicians set out to create a heavier and more riff-driven album than =1. Don Airey described the new material as more riff-focused, while Simon McBride viewed =1 as an adjustment period and SPLAT! as a much more comfortable showcase for the updated lineup.

A key feature of the recording process was that all five musicians — Ian Gillan, Ian Paice, Roger Glover, Don Airey, and Simon McBride — tracked together live in the studio to capture a authentic performance feel. The band considers this approach a crucial part of their classic sound.

Much of the music originated from jam sessions during joint rehearsals. Gillan then retreated to craft the music into lyrics and full narratives, resulting in unique characters and storylines — ranging from a lonely homeless person to God and Charles Darwin discussing the human experiment over a pint of beer.

This marks the sixth consecutive collaboration with Bob Ezrin, who has been working with Deep Purple continuously since Now What?! (2013) and has effectively become the architect of their late-career sound. However, unlike several previous records, Ezrin was not involved as a co-writer. This is the first time since 2005’s Rapture of the Deep that Deep Purple wrote all the material entirely on their own.

SPLAT! is the second full-length album for guitarist Simon McBride, solidifying his role in the lineup following Steve Morse’s departure. At the time of release, vocalist Ian Gillan and bassist Roger Glover turned 80, while drummer Ian Paice reached 78, making them one of the oldest active hard rock bands in the world. The release was accompanied by a major European and American tour, featuring new tracks alongside classic hits like “Smoke on the Water” and “Highway Star.”

Main Singles

• “Arrogant Boy” — One of the most aggressive tracks on the album and its opening number. A heavy riff, Don Airey’s Hammond organ, and a fast tempo immediately recall classic early-1970s Deep Purple, declaring that six decades in, the band can still start an album with maximum energy.
• “Diablo” — One of the groove-heavy highlights of the record, featuring country musician Keith Urban on second guitar. At the end of the track, Gillan’s laughter and spontaneous studio reaction can be heard, perfectly capturing the relaxed atmosphere of the sessions.
• “Guilt Trippin’” — One of the most unusual tracks on SPLAT!, envisioning a meeting between God and Charles Darwin reflecting on where humanity went wrong. Musically, it is a more progressive and expansive piece showing that Deep Purple goes beyond standard hard rock formulas.

Audience Reception

SPLAT! gained strong attention precisely because Deep Purple recorded an energetic, heavy, and vibrant rock album despite their age. Reviewers praised the ensemble feel: Paice and Glover provide a solid foundation, Airey adds organ textures and progressive colors, McBride brings modern guitar energy, and Gillan remains the central vocal and lyrical anchor.

Fans particularly welcomed the energy of the lineup with Simon McBride. Listeners noted that after =1, the band fully adapted to their new guitarist, resulting in a more confident delivery. The interplay between guitar and Hammond organ, heavy riffs, and live dynamic were widely highlighted, with reviews describing it as a “welcome return to form” and their freshest record in years.

While some listeners received the album more moderately — viewing the return to 70s-oriented hard rock as either a major strength or an overly familiar nostalgic choice — the overall reception remains highly positive. Audiences appreciated that Deep Purple, at a stage when most peers have stopped making new music, still sound genuinely alive and energized on stage and in the studio.

Summary

SPLAT! – It is a confident, heavy, and playful Deep Purple continuing to evolve their signature style on their own terms. Blending organ passages, sharp guitar riffs, and a loose jam atmosphere, the record delivers a convincing statement from a band genuinely enjoying their music.

Who Will Enjoy This Album

• Classic Rock Fans: Listeners following 1970s rock legends who appreciate quality, modern releases from veteran musicians.
• Genre Fans: Hard Rock, Progressive Rock, and Blues Rock enthusiasts (listeners of Led Zeppelin, Rainbow, Whitesnake, Uriah Heep, or Black Country Communion).
• Instrumental Virtuosity Enthusiasts: Anyone who enjoys guitar and Hammond organ duels paired with classic rock arrangements.

The album is a must-listen for all fans of classic 1970s hard rock, admirers of virtuosic guitar-and-organ duels, and anyone looking for irony, conceptual depth, and meaningful themes in rock music.

Related Links

https://www.loudersound.com/bands-artists/deep-purple-splat-interview