Rapture of the Deep turns 20 — and it’s finally getting the spotlight it always deserved.
Originally released in 2005, Rapture of the Deep was a bold but quietly buried chapter in Deep Purple’s storied career. Now, two decades later, the album returns fully remixed and remastered under the supervision of bassist Roger Glover, complete with striking new artwork and a bonus disc of previously unreleased sessions — including “Closing Note,” a long-lost instrumental from guitarist Steve Morse.
Long overshadowed by its classic predecessors, Rapture came at a time when Deep Purple had no label, no direction, and little mainstream attention. “We were a bit lost,” Glover admits in the new liner notes. But out of that uncertainty came sharp, gritty songwriting and a creative spark that would ignite a decade of comeback success — including four straight No. 1 albums.
Among the standout tracks is “Junkyard Blues” — a heavy, blues-drenched cut full of swagger, sorrow, and raw power. With lyrics about broken-down lives and haunted places, it captures the album’s mood like no other. In its newly remixed form, it roars with fresh intensity: searing guitar work, lush piano breaks, and vocals that finally breathe with the space they always needed.
Remixed from the original multi-tracks at Chameleon Studios in Hamburg, the anniversary edition finally reveals the sonic depth and performance clarity fans have been craving. As one fan put it, “Everything is so crystal clear… Roger, you’ve saved this great, great record.”
Available August 29 on 2CD Digipak, 3LP black vinyl, limited sky-blue 3LP, and digital formats, this is more than just a reissue — it’s a resurrection.
Highlights:
- Fully remixed/remastered 2005 album
- Bonus LP/CD of unreleased jams and instrumentals
- Exclusive track: “Closing Note” by Steve Morse
- Artwork includes new commentary by Geoff Barton
I’m Drew, the founder and editor of Front of the Stage. I have a strong love for music and photography, which started at a very young age. There’s just something I love about experiencing live music and capturing memories that will last a lifetime, and that’s how Front of the Stage came to be.
