There are very few bands that can claim to have invented an entire genre. DEEP PURPLE are one of them. For more than five decades, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, and a revolving cast of exceptional musicians have helped shape the very foundations of hard rock, influencing countless bands along the way. While many of their contemporaries have become little more than nostalgia acts, DEEP PURPLE have continued to write music that stands proudly alongside their legendary catalogue. Following the excellent “=1”, which introduced Simon McBride as the band’s new guitarist, “SPLAT!”, released on July 3rd, 2026 via earMUSIC, finds DEEP PURPLE sounding as inspired and energetic as ever, delivering another collection of groovy hard rock that proves there is still plenty of fire left in the tank.
Opening track “Arrogant Boy” wastes no time getting down to business. Ian Paice locks into a rock-solid groove while Roger Glover‘s warm bass tone keeps everything grounded. Simon McBride immediately makes his mark, delivering crunchy, blues-soaked riffs with just enough gain to stay aggressive without losing clarity. As a guitarist, what stands out most is his feel. There’s no unnecessary shredding here, every bend, vibrato and sustained note serves the song, while Don Airey‘s Hammond weaves around the guitars to create that unmistakable DEEP PURPLE chemistry.
That groove continues into “Diablo,” built around a swaggering riff that perfectly balances blues and hard rock. McBride fills the spaces with tasteful leads, using just enough overdrive to give his tone extra bite. Then comes “The Rider,” which shifts into darker territory and allows Ian Gillan to take a more storytelling approach. At eighty years old, nobody expects the soaring screams of “Machine Head,” but his voice still carries plenty of character, relying on phrasing and emotion rather than sheer range.
The pace picks up again with “The Lunatic,” where Ian Paice reminds everyone why he’s still one of rock’s finest drummers. His subtle fills never distract from the groove, while Airey‘s Hammond adds warmth throughout. One of the album’s biggest surprises, “The Only Horse in Town,” follows with a quirky riff that explodes into one of the catchiest choruses on the record. McBride‘s tone remains wonderfully organic, avoiding the polished, high-gain sound heard on many modern rock albums.
A more atmospheric side of the band appears on “Sacred Land,” where spacious keyboards and melodic guitar lines allow every instrument room to breathe. McBride‘s solo builds naturally, proving that feel often says more than speed. That chemistry continues on “The Beating of Wings,” with Airey and McBride trading musical ideas over another irresistible groove, before “Guilt Trippin'” delivers one of the album’s standout moments. Progressive without becoming overcomplicated, it moves through different moods while McBride‘s expressive solo once again steals the spotlight.
DEEP PURPLE’s playful side also gets its moment. “Scriblin’ Gib’rish” mixes witty lyrics with another infectious groove, while “Jessica’s Bra” keeps things loose, funky, and full of attitude, adding a touch of blues that feels completely natural. The final stretch remains consistently strong, with “Third Call” showcasing another excellent keyboard performance from Airey, “My New Movie” delivering one of the album’s strongest choruses, and the title track “SPLAT!” wrapping everything up with a direct, energetic finale. The Hammond growls, the guitars roar, and Gillan signs off with the same charisma that has defined DEEP PURPLE for decades.
What makes “SPLAT!” so enjoyable isn’t that DEEP PURPLE are trying to recreate 1972. Instead, they know exactly who they are in 2026. Simon McBride has fully established himself as an essential part of the lineup, while Bob Ezrin‘s production keeps everything powerful without sacrificing the band’s natural feel. Fans expecting another “Machine Head” may need to adjust their expectations, but anyone looking for one of hard rock’s greatest bands sounding inspired, confident, and genuinely enjoying themselves will find plenty to love. More than fifty years after helping shape the genre, DEEP PURPLE still know how to write riffs that make you want to pick up a guitar.
Written by Peter Jerman
Tracklist
- Arrogant Boy
- Diablo
- The Rider
- The Lunatic
- The Only Horse In Town
- Sacred Land
- The Beating of Wings
- Guilt Trippin’
- Scriblin’ Gib’rish
- Jessica’s Bra
- Third Call
- My New Movie
- Splat!
Lineup
Ian Gillan – vocals
Simon McBride – guitars
Roger Glover – bass guitar
Ian Paice – drums
Don Airey – keyboards
Label
earMusic
