STORMBRINGER

Easy and approachable, Stormbringer satisfies a hard-rock itch by scratching with the right combination of loud and heavy riffing, rugged vocals by David Coverdale, and Blackmore's signature guitar soloing. John Lord's keyboards, which occasionally drift into the funky lilting of the era's R&B/Soul sound, add an interesting touch as well. Some reviewers describe that Stormbringer is an off putting album because it plays with the Deep Purple formula a little too much; after all, this is Blackmore's last record with the group before he formed the (more interesting) Rainbow. For me, my criticism drifts more to the song writing, which is about 50% creative hard rock or thoughtful balladry, and 50% sex-drugs-and-rock-and-roll schlock. A few of these moments will appeal to prog fans, but for newcomers to the band Stormbringer may not be much more than a fun diversion in to '70's hard rock. Which, in scheme of things, is actually a pretty awesome place to be! Check it out after listening the bands more complete and influential works.

Songwriting: 2 - Instrumental Performances: 3 - Lyrics/Vocals: 2 - Style/Emotion/Replay: 3