Yet another Deep Purple album is on its way, and will be out sooner or later in the year of 2010. Even if they're not as enjoyable, deliberate, fun, energetic, blistering and well, plain genious as they were back in the heyday, they're still alive and kicking, and what is better than to take a look at one of the absolute best and brilliant hard rock/early heavy metal classics as we wait for another rocking release from the legendary Englishmen? Deep Purple in Rock is considered their breakthrough album, it remained on the UK charts for months and was the first with the classic MK II line-up. Many, including the band itself, considers this release the first completely independent record, without covers and songs credited every single one of the members. Every tune stands out, and the entire album will probably be in every true hard rocker's hit list. From the grooving opener Speed King, through the epic and maybe most famous track of the album Child in Time all the way to the stunning finishing blow Hard Lovin' Man, Deep Purple delivers top-notch, defining, hard rock/heavy metal with elements from progressive rock, classic synth rock, and even pop at times. Ritchie Blackmore claims that there is none better than this, so does many a fan. A milestone that deserves the glimmering light of classicdom.

The sheer joy of listening through this again and again is unbeatable. Memories from my younger days comes to mind when the trippy and sloppy yet oh so delightful intro of Speed King consisting of chaotic guitars and delightful keyboards sweep over me. As I bask in the lightning riffs of Blackmore, Ian Gillans brilliant trademark vocals and a short organ/guitar duel, the vision of myself in my room at night with my headphones on singing along quietly to not wake my parents, is complete. After the opener, slightly bluesy Bloodsucker will reach out its hand, ask you to come play in the meadows. Gillan's mighty, emotional falsettos cuts through the comfortable soundscape, and as Blackmore and hammond-master Jon Lord once again trade solo-duties, as the music and enthralling melodies continues to wash over you and fades into silence, the moody and slightly psychedelic intro to the epic, adventurous Child in Time will make you comfortably numb. The tune is drenched in emotions and warmth while Gillan's vocals quite on the contrary screams of despair. Ritchie Blacmore's soft yet swift touch coupled with Lord's gentle strokes will demand attention, and you'll listen eagerly when the song picks up pace in the middle section and the best guitar solo on the entire album, maybe the best Sir Blackmore has ever done brings the song and the album to the most powerful of its many climaxes before it ends in complete, delightful chaos.

Flight of the Rat picks up tempo again, and is yet another winner. Lively and slightly unpredictable breaks, it is considered a fast rocker, with some early, distinct heavy metal elements which also comes to show on the slightly Sabbath-y Into the Fire. Mid-paced and crunchy Godness that few could/can match, with some odd beats snuck in here and there never commits the foul of killing the tempo, life, colour or the soul of the album. The groovy and slightly weird groover Living Wreck sets a spirited mood, and'll get your feet moving any day. Blackmore, always fulfilled by his partner in crime, Jon Lord, churns out riff after riff, break after break, while drummer Ian Paice and Roger Glover keeps the pace with entertaining rhythm work, as especieally the latter does a great job on shuffling things up a bit.

Finisher Hard Lovin' Man gallops onto the stage, sparkling, forceful, and displays one of the best hard rock/heavy metal songs ever written. Period. The crude and wild keyboards plays the main role in the act alongside terrific, tasteful vocal work, solid drums and bass, and of course, once again, Ritchie Blackmore's awesome riffing and ripping lead guitars. Concluding in panning chaos, one of the few albums that deserves nothing but superlatives ends way too early. A definite milestone that every rock and metal fan should buy, hear, clench to their chest and never let go of. Classic.