Stormbringer falls short of the excellence of
Machine Head and
Who Do We Think We Are, but nonetheless boasts some definite classics -- including the fiery "Lady Double Dealer," the ominous title song (a goth metal treasure), the sweaty "High Ball Shooter," and the melancholy ballad "Soldier of Fortune." Most of the other songs on the decent, if uneven,
Stormbringer (which Metal Blade reissued on CD in the early '90s) are not essential. Like Come Taste the Band,
Stormbringer will be of interest to
Deep Purple's more enthusiastic fans, rather than casual listeners who would be much better off starting out with either of the above-mentioned studio projects or the live
Made in Japan. [Classic Rock Legends issued a DVD edition in 2008.] ~ Alex Henderson