Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan has declared the band's forthcoming album, Splat! , marks a vibrant return to the "dynamics, the balance and the fun" of their seminal early 1970s sound. The British rock band, formed in 1968, will release their 24th studio album on 3 July. The new record sees the iconic group collaborating with acclaimed producer Bob Ezrin , known for his work with Kiss, Pink Floyd, Lou Reed and Alice Cooper. Described as "the heaviest Deep Purple album in many years," it promises a powerful sonic experience. Gillan expressed enthusiasm for the band's current direction, stating: "Where we are now with this incarnation of Deep Purple feels very much like a very ‘now’ version of Deep Purple as it was in the 70s." He added: "I have to say, now we are very much back in with material that is compatible with Highway Star, Smoke On The Water , Lazy – the dynamics, the balance, and the fun of the music we made from 69 to 73.…