Mr Universe – GILLAN***

Second Sight/Secret Of The Dance/She Tears Me Down/Roller/Mr Universe/Vengeance/Puget Sound/Dead Of Night/Message In A Bottle/Fighting Man

Mr Universe was the first album of the heavy rock group Gillan, promoted under that name. Fronted by the former lead singer of Deep Purple, it echoes the sound of the earlier group. (UK:11)

“Mr. Universe is the album that signalled Ian Gillan's return to a Deep Purple-like heavy rock sound, after his interesting but ultimately weak records with the Ian Gillan Band.”

“On the first Gillan album with new members and the name Gillan we can hear more hard rock and maybe some heavy metal. Maybe one of the best from this era.”

“Backed by a band consisting of the cream of new British heavy metal, this should have been a fine opportunity to see how the past blended with the present. But, instead of new blood it swiftly becomes anaemic old hat. Mr Universe is a second rate effort, for which uneven production does nothing to improve.”

“Most likely Gillan's strongest album, and also sounding the most similar to Deep Purple. In fact some this sounds like it might have been recorded by them.”

“Mr. Universe is where the new rhythm section takes over the sound and maybe the cause for the new direction. A powerful locomotive injection to the music. None of the jazz-fusion flavouring we got previously. What we get here is full on Highway Star type high energy rock with guitar athletics.”

“The solo career of Ian Gillan has produced some interesting material. Mr Universe has become a staple in my collection; I love the sound and the musical style presented here.”

“Ian Gillan released earlier albums under the name Ian Gillan Band, but this was the first full-length issued as simply Gillan. Secret Of The Dance busts loose at the beginning like Speed King, and the whole thing feels like a vintage, top-notch Deep Purple album. Ian's voice is in peak form, delivering some otherworldly high notes and shrieks. It's very hard rock, and might have a hint of a speed metal vibe here and there. Overall, I was surprised by how heavy it is.”