Deep Purple's fourth studio album overall, but the first to feature the seminal Mark II lineup. Original vocalist Rod Evans and original bassist Nick Simper were fired from the band and replaced by Ian Gillan and Roger Glover, both from Episode Six. Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore then took point with regards to the band's creative direction from keyboardist Jon Lord, and thus what was recorded would in ways herald the birth of Heavy Metal. The band did not forget their progressive roots however, and thus long solos by both Blackmore and Lord or a series of shorter but alternating solos dominate the record.
Deep Purple in Rock features the following:[]
- Careful with That Axe: Ian Gillan's screams, especially on "Child in Time" are pretty otherworldly.
- Epic Riff: With Ritchie Blackmore taking point the guitar takes precedence. See "Flight of the Rat" and "Hard Lovin' Man".
- Epic Rocking: "Speed King", "Child in Time", "Flight of the Rat", "Hard Lovin' Man".
- Intercourse with You: "Hard Lovin' Man".
- Metal Scream
- Rushmore Refacement
- Self-Titled Album: Borderline case.
- Song of Song Titles: "Speed King".
- Ur Example: One for Hard Rock and Heavy Metal.