“Embodying the essence and attitude of their 1970s incarnation possibly more than any other album in recent memory”: Deep Purple announce new album =1

The mathematically titled =1 is Deep Purple’s first album with new guitarist Simon McBride

Two days after launching a mysterious teaser video, rock icons Deep Purple have announced details of their new album, =1. The album is the band’s first to feature new guitarist Simon McBride – who replaced Steve Morse in 2022 – and will be released on July 19.

“Deep Purple are more than just their members,” reads a statement from the band. “=1 embodies the essence and attitude of their 1970s incarnation possibly more than any other album in recent memory. With the legendary Bob Ezrin once again producing, the record evokes the pioneering band’s classic sound, without relying on nostalgia.

“The enigmatic title =1 symbolises the idea that in a world growing ever more complex, everything eventually simplifies down to a single, unified essence. Everything equals one.”