New Deep Purple album imminent

It's highly likely that Deep Purple will release their new studio album in the autumn. Keyboardist Don Airey told the BBC, "We spent five weeks in a studio in Los Angeles, putting down 12 or 13 tracks together. Ian Gillan's close to finishing off the vocals, so the album is nearly complete. We'll have a listen, and maybe add a few more things, but it should be out in October or November, I think." He added, "It's a bit of a departure from the last album. It's a lot heavier, and I think it will turn a few heads. We recorded it in the same studio that used to be used by (modern heavy metal band) Korn, and it's got a wonderful sound...I was really happy working in there."

The project, which is the follow-up to 2003's Bananas, is untitled at the moment.

Beginning June 11, 2005 Deep Purple (Don Airey, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Steve Morse, Ian Paice) will be touring North America and Europe. Click here for the Deep Purple tour dates and venues in 2005.