To begin his assault on later era Deep Purple, EZ started out by admitting to being butthurt, over Blackmore leaving Rainbow, a band he admitted was sounding more like pop rock radio era Foreigner, then Rainbow themselves. He then goes on to say that Deep Purple aren't heavy at all and are pop, and have no progressive elements, both are very false and can be easily heard by anyone, if they bother to listen to the albums, and have any knowledge of music. Blackmore's patent trademark of classical music mixed with heavy rock guitar can be heard through out both Strangers and Battle, and to a lesser extent at times, on House. The same strong progressive element can be found though out in the key arrangements. That makes it progressive influenced if not out right prog rock...... They are obviously heavier then later era Rainbow.
I think what this really comes down to is a pop rock band ( at that time), Rainbow, disbanded and now someone is angry and only wants to spew out negativity toward the band that the main player left to play with.
I mean we all have our opinions and I like to think most of us are adult enough to just say them without throwing out musical insults that are not based on facts. I mean, I think they suck is more honest then, they suck because they aren't progressive or hard, when in fact they are, and the band they were originally being compared to is much less so in both departments ( post Dio ).
It can be interesting to hear what others have to say. However when personal vendettas are involved I lose interest in that persons opinions.
Just saying..