Deep Purple’s ‘Child in Time’

The fifth and final season of “Stranger Things” may be without Metallica and the Eddie Munson character, but heavy metal music is still a prominent feature, as seen in the latest trailer released today.

The trailer features apocalyptic scenes with a bombastic riff and symphonic arrangement, accompanied by high-pitched, operatic wailing characteristic of heavy metal singing known as the “air-raid siren.”

Breaking from the ’80s setting of the show, the trailer features one of the most popular tracks from the pioneering hard-rock band Deep Purple, “Child in Time” from their album “In Rock” released in 1970. While the instrumental backing appears to be new with strings and synthesizers, the vocal seems to be from Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan, along with elements of the band’s original instrumental work.

The volume of the song plays a crucial role in the trailer, as the character Steve Harrington plans to use it as a weapon against the monsters threatening Hawkins, Indiana. The song, “Child in Time,” is known for its nearly ten and a half minutes runtime, building in intensity with each verse before culminating in a powerful chorus and a progressive-rock instrumental section.

First performed in 1969 and recorded in December of that year, “Child in Time” evokes themes of nuclear war and showcases Gillan’s renowned sky-scraping wail. Despite its challenges, Gillan admitted that performing the track became increasingly difficult as he got older, leading him to stop performing it altogether.

As Gillan reflects on his decision to retire the song, he acknowledges the physical toll of maintaining such a demanding vocal performance. At 77 years old, he still appreciates the impact of the song but recognizes the importance of preserving his voice for the future.

Overall, the use of Deep Purple’s “Child in Time” in the latest “Stranger Things” trailer adds a layer of intensity and nostalgia to the highly anticipated final season. With its iconic sound and powerful vocals, the song sets the stage for an epic conclusion to the beloved series.