Deep Purple - Purpendicular: Expanded Edition (CD)

Release Date: 08/06/21

After a more than tumultuous quarter of a century making records, 'Purpendicular', no less than the 15th studio record by Deep Purple, is the start of a period of relative stability in the Purple camp.

Following the departure of founder member Ritchie Blackmore during the 1993 tour to support 'The Battle Rages On', the band would eventually find a more permanent and less temperamental axe-slinger in the shape of former Dixie Dregs guitarist Steve Morse.

Originally released in 1996, and with all songs credited to all five band members - Jon Lord on keyboards, Ian Paice on drums, singer Ian Gillan and Roger Glover on bass guitar - guitarist Morse certainly makes his mark on this guitar orientated, and often quite experimental record. Tracks such as 'Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming' and 'Vavoom: Ted the Mechanic' would soon become mainstays of Deep Purple's live set.

Also included on this edition is the Japan bonus track 'Don't Hold Your Breath' plus the single edit of 'Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming', and makes a worthy addition to the Purple titles already on HNE; 'Slaves And Masters' (+ 3 bonus tracks), 'The Battle Rages On/Come Hell Or Highwater' (2CD), 'Live in Stuttgart 1993' (2CD) and 'Live in Birmingham 1993' (2CD).