Deep Purple The Battle Rages on

Vintage Deep Purple The Battle Rages on back patch from 1993. Maestro Blackmore’s last hurrah and the end of the turbulent period between House of Blue Light and Purpendicular. For me, this is an underappreciated record that goes overshadowed by the acrimony and famous incidents such as the NEC show. However, with Anya, a Twist in the Tale, the title track etc you have some real belters. As to the artwork, I’ve always liked it and it’s one of the more conventionally cool Purple designs. Green, red, and yellow combine very effectively for the dragon while they sneak some of the titular purple in among the large logo design. Indeed, a double logo for a band who never really stuck the landing in that regard also makes this an interesting piece.