After writing that Blackmore’s Night review, I had to post something as a reminder that Richie Blackmore wasn’t always pathetic. I guess knowing that he once did some great stuff makes his sad attempt at bring the renaissance to rock even worse.
Label: Polydor
Released: 1976
Any disappointment that Deep Purple fans must have felt when Richie Blackmore departed in 1973 not alleviated by Rainbow’s debut should surely have been dispelled by Rising. It has all the power of Deep Purple while recapturing a leaner, more agile sound that was absent from Purple for some time. While David Coverdale was a fine singer, it was really Ian Gillan’s shoes that Ronnie James Dio would have to fill and fill them he did. Blackmore and company’s second album bridges the gap between prog rock and heavy metal in a way that would later be pursued and perfected by Iron Maiden. The music is technically superior to most of Rainbow’s peers, yet maintains an energy level that challenges all but the rawest rock n roll of its time.
Rating: 8/10