Deep Purple
In Rock

THE REVIEW

After a period of reflection, I take on the task of writing the Review. Although my tastes have been shifting for a while, I decided on "IN ROCK": first and foremost because it opened my musical horizons (Nirvana were still in me), then because it encapsulates the idea of musical harmony in an electric context.

An icon of Hard Rock, the album marks the very happy marriage between Blues/Pentatonic scales and avant-garde sounds (Medieval influence) that are exalted by Blackmore's Strat and the legendary John Lord's Hammond. In a dark and almost macabre blend, Ian Gillan's voice prevails and makes many of the performances (e.g. Speed King) overwhelming: the pinnacle is the ballad "Child in Time" where three chords are enough to shape one of the most beautiful tracks ever (also thanks to the legendary solo of the dark man).

Trying to give a precise scheme to the songs, which then marks the unmistakable style of Hard Rock, one notices the contrast between soft sections and chaotic ones; the central theme is the always aggressive, overwhelming riff based on the blues scale (C, D#, F, F#, G, A#, C: try it and see); a solo of certain caliber (K. Hammett is an idiot); a strained and devilish voice. All this results in a surreal and timeless atmosphere that leaves one almost enchanted, blending within itself the perfection of the blues and the catchiness of the most refined Rock.

Sometimes one has to wonder how it's possible that within a decade music was born and died ('65-'75) and all musical talents developed in this period, perhaps Jim Morrison was right to speak of surpassing the doors of perception.

It is certainly Deep Purple's best work, managing to exhaust 90% of their creativity in a single album, perhaps the best of the entire musical panorama of that time (I see the Led Zep perhaps more skilled but less Hard). I hate anyone who thinks that metal derives from here and I'm sure Gillan & Co. would not appreciate it. It's like making a damn graffiti on Michelangelo's Pietà!