Album Description:
In the world of rock music history, few bands have left an indelible mark as profound as Deep Purple. With their hard-hitting sound, intricate musicality, and powerful vocals, they've remained a timeless force in the industry. Among their prolific discography, "The House of Blue Light" stands as a testament to their enduring artistry. Released in 1987, this twelfth studio album marked the second recording by the re-formed Mark II lineup, capturing a pivotal moment in the band's trajectory. The German release of this iconic 12" vinyl LP album added another layer of significance to its legacy, inviting fans to embark on a sonic journey unlike any other.
Return of the Titans
"The House of Blue Light" marked a reunion of musical titans, as Deep Purple's Mark II lineup reconvened to create a sonic masterpiece. Comprising Ian Gillan on vocals, Ritchie Blackmore on guitar, Roger Glover on bass, Jon Lord on keyboards, and Ian Paice on drums, this lineup had previously delivered monumental albums like "Machine Head" and "Made in Japan." Their reunion was a cause for celebration, and the German release of the album allowed fans across the country to partake in this exhilarating musical journey.
Production Prowess
One of the most integral aspects of "The House of Blue Light" was its production, helmed by none other than Roger Glover himself. Deep Purple had always been known for their meticulous attention to detail, and this album was no exception. The interplay of guitars, keyboards, and vocals was expertly balanced, showcasing the band's exceptional musicianship. The German release of the album ensured that this production prowess was faithfully preserved in the vinyl format, allowing listeners to experience every sonic nuance as intended by the artists.
Behind the Sound
A significant contributor to the album's sonic brilliance was the team of sound engineers and mastering experts who meticulously crafted its auditory landscape. Nick Blagona, an accomplished sound engineer and mastering engineer, played a pivotal role in ensuring the album's sound quality was top-notch. His expertise helped capture the energy and dynamism of Deep Purple's performances, making each track a sonic tour de force.
Harry Schnitzler, another sound mix expert, lent his expertise to the album, further enhancing its sonic dimensions. His contributions added depth and richness to the overall sound, ensuring that every instrument and vocal harmoniously coexisted within the musical tapestry.
Ian Charbonneau, a skilled sound engineer, also left his mark on the album's production. His technical prowess and attention to detail contributed to the album's sonic clarity, making it a treat for audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike.
Mastering engineer Greg Calbi played a crucial role in the final touches of the album's sonic presentation. His expertise in mastering ensured that the album's tracks seamlessly flowed together, creating a cohesive listening experience from start to finish.
Legacy and Impact
The German release of "The House of Blue Light" 12" vinyl LP album not only celebrated Deep Purple's enduring legacy but also added a layer of collectibility for vinyl enthusiasts. The tactile experience of handling a vinyl LP, carefully placing the needle, and immersing oneself in the analog warmth of the music evoked a sense of nostalgia and connection to the past.
Decades after its release, "The House of Blue Light" continues to captivate audiences, serving as a reminder of Deep Purple's timeless artistry and their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots.
Band Members and Musicians on: Deep Purple The House Of Blue Light
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Band-members, Musicians and Performers
- Ian Gillan - vocals, congas, harmonica
- Ian Gillan – Vocals
Fun bit: the guy who hit those stratospheric notes also played Jesus (1970) before he went full purple thunder. Read more... Ian Gillan, the razor-throated storyteller who helped turn Deep Purple into a stadium engine (1969–1973), then came back for the 1984 reunion and later tours. Before the purple thunder I cut my teeth in Episode Six (1965–1969). In 1970 I also sang Jesus on the original "Jesus Christ Superstar" album—pure theatre, no cape. I went jazz-rock with the Ian Gillan Band (1975–1978), cranked it harder with Gillan (1978–1982), and even took a wild detour fronting Black Sabbath on "Born Again" (1983). Solo records and guest spots followed, but that operatic scream and sly phrasing always gave the game away, whether I was whispering a blues line or detonating a high note over a Marshall stack.
- Ritchie Blackmore - guitar
- Ritchie Blackmore – Guitarist, Songwriter
The guy who made the guitar sound both medieval and radioactive, often in the same solo.
Read more...
Ritchie Blackmore is the sort of name I see on a sleeve and instantly expect sparks: born Richard Hugh Blackmore (1945), he’s an English guitarist who helped hard-rock riffing grow teeth and then politely refused to stop. His era-stamps are basically whole chapters of rock history: Deep Purple (1968–1975, 1984–1993), where the riffs got louder, sharper, and more dramatic; Rainbow (1975–1984, 1993–1997), where he leaned into melody and fantasy like it was a weapon; and Blackmore’s Night (1997–present), where the electric storm calms down into Renaissance-folk textures without losing that unmistakable Blackmore touch. I love that arc: from amp-stacks and arena thunder to lutes-and-candles vibes, like he just swapped dragons for different dragons.
"Blackmore Signature Strats"
I’ve spent too many nights chasing that Blackmore chime. Fender’s Artist Series Strat is a love letter to his ‘70s obsession—Olympic White with a graduated scalloped rosewood board that makes your fingers feel like they’re floating. The electronics are pure Ritchie logic: two Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounds for the bite and a dummy middle pickup. It’s a prop, a plastic decoy for us mortals. Then there’s the Fender Japan ST72-145RB. MIJ builds have a surgical precision, keeping the ‘72 vibe alive for the obsessive collector. We hunt these like lost relics, justifying the cost because a standard neck feels one-dimensional by comparison. It’s a specialized tool for a very specific kind of madness. But then, isn't that the whole point?
- Jon Lord - organ, keyboards
- Jon Lord – Keyboards
On my best days, that Hammond roar still sounds like cathedral pipes hijacked by a Marshall stack—and Jon Lord is the reason.
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Jon Lord, British keyboardist, composer, and co-founder of Deep Purple, never played “background” the way polite musicians do—he attacked the keys like they owed him money, then turned around and wrote with the discipline of a trained composer. The story starts in the R&B trenches with The Artwoods (1964–1967), then detonates when he helps launch Deep Purple (1968–1976; 1984–2002), where that distorted Hammond became a lead instrument with teeth. After Purple’s first collapse, the road briefly rerouted through Paice Ashton Lord (1976–1978), and then straight into David Coverdale’s orbit with Whitesnake (1978–1984), adding class, weight, and that unmistakable “burning organ” halo to bluesy hard rock. Underneath all the volume, the man kept one foot in the concert hall—because some people can shred and still hear the orchestra in their heads.
- Roger Glover - bass, synthesizer
- Roger Glover – Bass, Producer, Songwriter
If the groove feels like a tank with manners, his name is usually somewhere nearby. Read more... Roger Glover is one of those credit lines I trust on sight: a Welsh bassist, producer, and songwriter who helped define the heavyweight “engine room” of classic hard rock. I mainly tag him to two eras that just refuse to die: Deep Purple (1969–1973, 1984–present), where his bass and writing instincts locked in with that Mark II bite, and Rainbow (1979–1984), where he wasn’t just playing low-end—he was also steering the sound as lyricist and producer. He came up through Episode Six, then spent the 1970s stacking production work and side projects like it was a second career (because, yeah, it basically was), but those Purple and Rainbow years are the real “mythology in the liner notes” stuff.
- Ian Paice - drums
Ian Paice is a legendary British drummer best known as the only constant member of Deep Purple, contributing to every lineup and album since 1968. His dynamic, powerful drumming shaped classics like Smoke on the Water and Highway Star. Beyond Deep Purple, he played with Whitesnake and Jon Lord. His influence on rock drumming is undeniable. Read his biography
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