Tony Iommi, the legendary guitarist of Black Sabbath, has declared Deep Purple’s “In Rock” as his favorite album from the iconic band, highlighting its profound influence on the heavy metal genre. In a recent interview with Classic Rock, Iommi praised the album’s impressive collection of tracks, stating, “It has one classic song after another. They always used to come up with great riffs, and ‘Speed King’ is hard to beat.”
The late 1960s and early 1970s marked a significant shift in rock music as the genre began embracing a darker, heavier sound. This transformation laid the groundwork for heavy metal, with influential bands like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple leading the charge. As the counterculture movement waned, listeners increasingly craved music that offered immersive and atmospheric experiences.
Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore openly acknowledged the impact of Led Zeppelin on his band’s sound, particularly with “Deep Purple in Rock,” which reflects Zeppelin’s expansive musical approach. Conversely, Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin has commended Blackmore’s virtuosity, particularly in live performances, admitting he “couldn’t touch” Blackmore’s skill in improvisation.
While Black Sabbath set themselves apart with their heavier sound and darker lyrical themes, Iommi expressed admiration for Deep Purple, specifically for their ability to create powerful riffs and dynamic arrangements. He pointed to “Speed King” as emblematic of the band’s peak, showcasing the talents of all its members, including the dynamic vocals of Ian Gillan and the keyboard prowess of Jon Lord.
With “In Rock,” Deep Purple solidified their place in heavy metal history, and Iommi’s endorsement only further cements its status as a cornerstone of the genre.
Related Topics
Jillian Cardarelli Drops Heartfelt New Single Featuring Vince Gill
Wyatt Flores Unveils New Single “Oh Susannah” Ahead of Debut Album
Daniel O’Donnell’s ‘Opry le Daniel ar Thuras’ Returns to TG4
