Published: June 8, 2026
The hard rock veterans continue their collaboration with producer Bob Ezrin as Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Don Airey and Simon McBride preview the upcoming album with a guest appearance from Keith Urban
DEEP PURPLE have released "Diablo", the second single from their upcoming studio album "SPLAT!", scheduled for release on July 3, 2026 via earMUSIC.
The new song follows the release of "Arrogant Boy" and introduces another chapter from the band's latest studio project while featuring a guest appearance by Grammy Award-winning guitarist, singer and songwriter Keith Urban, who contributes second guitar to the recording.
Rockum previously covered the album's first single in Deep Purple Release 'Arrogant Boy' Video Ahead of 'SPLAT!' Album, which offered the first look at the material that would eventually form the band's latest studio release.
According to information released by the band, "Diablo" follows a narrative centered around a heroine who crosses a river, enters a fighting pit, celebrates with a bucket of wine, falls into a glitter pool and eventually returns home with a story to tell.
The track features Keith Urban on guitar and continues the hard rock approach associated with the band's recent studio work, built around riffs, groove and the chemistry of musicians performing together in the studio.
Speaking about the song, vocalist Ian Gillan described it as a reflection on taking chances and stepping away from routine in favor of unexpected experiences and decisions.
The official video for "Diablo" is scheduled to premiere through the earMUSIC YouTube channel on June 7, 2026.
Fans joining the premiere will also have the opportunity to participate in a live chat session with bassist Roger Glover.
Rockum previously covered the announcement of the album in Deep Purple Announce 'SPLAT!' and Reveal Details of New Studio Album, which introduced the project and its overall concept.
"SPLAT!" follows "=1" (2024), continuing a productive period for the band that has also included "Whoosh!" (2020), "inFinite" (2017) and "NOW What?!" (2013).
Like those releases, the album was created in collaboration with producer Bob Ezrin, whose extensive production career includes work with KISS, Pink Floyd, Lou Reed and Alice Cooper.
SPLAT! TRACKLIST
Side A
Arrogant Boy
Diablo
The Rider
The Lunatic
Side B
The Only Horse In Town
Sacred Land
The Beating Of Wings
Side C
Guilt Trippin'
Scriblin' Gib'rish
Jessica's Bra
Side D
Third Call
My New Movie
Splat!
FORMATS
Limited Box Set
Includes:
2LP Gatefold (180g)
12-page vinyl-sized booklet
CD Digisleeve
Three exclusive 10-inch vinyl records featuring live recordings from the Deep Purple Tour 2024
Exclusive 7-inch single featuring "Guinnesis"
CD Digisleeve
2LP Gatefold Black Vinyl (180g)
Limited Purple 2LP Gatefold (180g)
Limited Transparent Yellow 2LP (180g)
Limited 2LP Picture Disc
Limited Cassette
Limited Canvas Signed by All Band Members (199 copies worldwide)
All first-pressing LP editions include a 12-page LP-sized booklet containing illustrations and lyrics.
The release of "SPLAT!" continues a period that has seen Deep Purple remain active in both recording and touring.
During this era the band has worked consistently with Bob Ezrin, resulting in a sequence of studio albums that includes "NOW What?!", "inFinite", "Whoosh!", "Turning To Crime", "=1" and now "SPLAT!".
The band's recent activities have also included international touring, including the Japanese dates documented in Deep Purple Meet Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Ahead of 'Mad In Japan' Tour Launch.
With more than five decades of activity, Deep Purple remain one of the defining names in hard rock history.
The band's catalogue includes landmark releases such as "Machine Head", "Made In Japan", "Burn", "Perfect Strangers" and many others that helped shape the development of hard rock and heavy metal.
Rockum has also explored another chapter of the band's history in Deep Purple, Joe Lynn Turner and Ritchie Blackmore: The Elegant Power of Slaves and Masters, examining one of the group's most debated lineups and albums.
The current lineup of Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Don Airey and Simon McBride continues a legacy that has earned the band induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a World Music Awards Legend Award and worldwide album sales exceeding 120 million copies.
LINEUP
Ian Gillan — Vocals
Roger Glover — Bass
Ian Paice — Drums
Don Airey — Keyboards
Simon McBride — Guitar
With "Diablo", Deep Purple provide another preview of "SPLAT!" while expanding the album's musical palette through the participation of Keith Urban. The release continues a creative period that has kept the band active in recording studios and on stages around the world more than fifty years after its formation.
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
