Hard rock legends Deep Purple are proving once again that they have no intention of slowing down. The iconic band has officially announced a brand-new studio album titled Splat!, set for release on July 3, 2026 through earMUSIC.
For a group that first formed back in 1968 and has sold more than 120 million albums worldwide, the announcement feels less like a nostalgic victory lap and more like another major statement from one of hard rock’s most enduring forces. According to the band, Splat! may be the heaviest studio album they have delivered in many years.
Frontman Ian Gillan says the current lineup captures the same chemistry and energy that defined Deep Purple during their legendary early-1970s era. In his words, the band now feels like a “modern-day version” of classic Purple, reconnecting with the spirit behind timeless tracks like Highway Star, Smoke on the Water, and Lazy.
Gillan emphasized that the new material brings back the balance, dynamics, and playful edge that powered the band between 1969 and 1973 — a period many fans still consider Deep Purple’s creative peak.
Bob Ezrin Returns Behind the Boards
The album reunites Deep Purple with acclaimed producer Bob Ezrin, known for his work with legendary artists including KISS, Pink Floyd, Lou Reed, and Alice Cooper.
Rather than building songs remotely or piece by piece, the band says Splat! was created the traditional Deep Purple way — together in the studio, feeding off live energy and spontaneous interaction. That approach, according to the group, helped preserve the classic Purple attitude while still pushing the music forward.
A Concept Album About Humanity’s End
One of the more intriguing details surrounding Splat! is its conceptual foundation. Gillan revealed that the album explores the end of humanity, though not in the usual apocalyptic sense.
Instead, the record reportedly examines transformation beyond physical existence, suggesting a more philosophical and cosmic direction. The band hinted that additional details about the concept will be unveiled in the weeks leading up to the album’s release.
If the music matches the ambition of the concept, Splat! could become one of the band’s most fascinating late-career releases.
Massive 2026 World Tour Planned
Deep Purple are also preparing for a huge touring year in support of the album. The band announced plans for 86 shows across 28 countries spanning three continents throughout 2026.
Even more exciting for longtime fans, the group confirmed that new music from Splat! will arrive before the album release date, meaning the first taste of the record may not be far away.
Formats and Deluxe Editions
Splat! will be released in several formats, including CD, digital, and multiple vinyl editions. Fans will be able to choose from:
- Black 2LP edition
- Limited purple 2LP
- Limited transparent yellow 2LP
- Deluxe limited box set
The deluxe box set appears especially packed with collector-focused extras. It includes:
- 2LP gatefold edition
- 12-page booklet
- CD digisleeve
- Three exclusive 10-inch live records from the band’s 2024 tour
- A 7-inch single featuring the exclusive bonus track “Guinnesis”
Notably, “Guinnesis” will not appear on the main studio album.
Deep Purple also confirmed additional exclusives through the official artist store, including a picture-disc edition, cassette release, and a canvas signed by all band members, limited to just 199 copies worldwide.
Splat! Track List
The album’s standard edition will feature 13 songs spread across four vinyl sides:
- “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!”
Deep Purple Show No Signs of Slowing Down
More than five decades into their career, Deep Purple continue to evolve while staying connected to the sound and attitude that made them legends in the first place. Between the heavier musical direction, ambitious concept, and extensive world tour plans, Splat! is shaping up to be one of the band’s biggest modern-era releases.
Gillan perhaps summed it up best with a simple but confident statement:
“DEEP PURPLE is in a great place right now.”