When ‘Rapture of the Deep’ was first released in 2005, it felt like the start of something new. Twenty years on, it’s clear that it was – a crucial chapter in Deep Purple’s journey. It’s no secret that ‘Rapture of the Deep’ isn’t the first album that comes to mind when listing Deep Purple’s classics. But it’s equally true that this record – and the story behind it – played a key role in shaping the band we know today. New liner notes by Classic Rock’s Geoff Barton pull back the curtain on a time when Deep Purple were without a label, without a safety net – navigating an uncertain era of the music industry that saw the downfall of many once-great artist careers – and unravel the chemistry that gave birth to Deep Purple’s 18th studio album. Now, newly mixed with the supervision of Roger Glover, analogue mastered at renown Chameleon Studios in Hamburg, and presented with bold new artwork, ‘Rapture of the Deep’ finally shines with clarity and colour. The band themselves now refer to it as a new album. Fans will hear it blooming for the first time. Listening to the album now, with the fresh sound, makes you realize that if you thought this was a small release in the band’s rich discography, maybe it’s time to reconsider. With Deep Purple riding high on the success of their latest No. 1 record ‘=1’, the time is right to (re)discover the album that set the path for Deep Purple’s identity in the 21st century.