Stormbringer is the ninth studio album by Deep Purple and was released on December 10, 1974 by “EMI” in Europe and by “Warner” in America.

The album divided fans and critics since the jazz and funk influences were now evident in the band’s playing style. This change in Deep Purple’s style was also the reason for the departure of guitarist Ritchie Blackmore after a few months.

“Stormbringer” sold relatively well and although it failed to enter the Top-10 in the United States, it went gold, while reaching No. 6 in Great Britain and the Top-10 of many European charts.

In June 1974 Deep Purple took a break from live performances for a few days and at the end of the month began rehearsing for their next album. One song that was the basis for the album was “Stormbringer”, which became one of the album’s best-known tracks. Rehearsals were interrupted on 27 June for a gig in Southend, and from there, they continued recording until late July, creating most of the songs on the album. On 25 July, they played for the first time at the Rimini festival in Italy, the first visit of this line-up of the band to that country.

In August 1974, Deep Purple went to Munich, Germany, to record tracks for their next album. The only truly hard rock songs recorded were “Stormbringer”, “Lady Double Dealer”, “Highball Shooter” and “The Gypsy”, however, and these had blues influences. The album also contained one of the best ballads Deep Purple ever recorded, “Soldier Of Fortune”, a song that for many belongs to the top rock ballads of all time. Otherwise, the album ranged from blues / jazz songs to funk. The huge difference in style and musical preferences of Ritchie Blackmore and Glenn Hughes was the main reason for the division within the band. It should be mentioned that “Holy Man” was the first Deep Purple song in which Glenn Hughes sang exclusively.

In December 1974, the album entitled “Stormbringer” was released, with a cover that featured a horse on a hurricane.

From this pivotal album in the history of Deep Purple we will hear the eponymous “Stormbringer”.

Tracklist

A1. Stormbringer 4:03
A2. Love Don’t Mean A Thing 4:23
A3. Holy Man 4:28
A4. Hold On 5:05
B1. Lady Double Dealer 3:19
B2. You Can’t Do It Right (With The One You Love) 3:24
B3. High Ball Shooter 4:26
B4. The Gypsy 4:13
B5. Soldier Of Fortune 3:14