Well overdue, EUROPE’s brand new album comes 9 years after Walk The Earth. I really got reintroduced to the band with 2015’s War Of Kings, an outstanding record that made me want to go back and pick up all the albums since their reunion, so after 2 great albums, 9 years is a pretty lengthy break. So, was Come This Madness worth such a wait!? I think so. Musically heavier than it’s precdecessor, lyrically a bit deeper in places, as the band take on a few topics in the state of the world these days, as well as hope.
Certainly songs like “One On One”, “Scandinavian Eyes”, “In A Different World”, and the ballad “This Time Of Year” all stand out for me and sit comfortably among the band’s best. But really a very strong album, that I’m sure someone else could easily pick a few different favorites. John Norum stands out more here via his solos, and riffs on this record than the previous few, there’s a few classic intros from Mic Michaeli , and Joey Tempest, who’s voice hasn;t lost anything over the years. Again, for those who never got past Europe in their 80s pop-rock era, this is an excellent guitar driven, classic rock album, with latter day Europe filling the void of bands like Thin Lizzy and Gary Moore. Ends on a high note with “Nothing Can Follow This”.
*See below for the videos from this album, as well as press info, links…..
Europe’s new studio album Come This Madness signals a powerful new chapter for one of rock’s most enduring acts. Across songs like ‘One on One’, ‘The Cult of Ignorance’, and the title track ‘Come This Madness’, the band channel tension, truth, and raw energy into a record that feels both deeply personal and globally resonant.
Come This Madness was recorded at RMV Studio, the Stockholm-based recording facility founded by Benny Andersson and Ludvig Andersson. The album features special guest appearances from Tobias Forge (Ghost) and Mikael Åkerfeldt (Opeth) and was produced by acclaimed producer Tom Dalgety (Ghost, Rammstein, Pixies, The Cult, Opeth), who became a true creative force throughout the process, deeply embedded in the band’s writing and recording, shaping the album’s sound from the ground up. To bring the project to its final stage and complete their vision, the band turned to one of rock’s most respected recording and mixing legends Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Van Halen, Metallica, The Cult, Loverboy) to mix the record.
With Come This Madness, Europe deliver a landmark record that finds them fully realised and present, confronting the realities of the modern world with conviction and creativity. Building on the momentum surrounding the album’s release, the band will also embark on an extensive run of live dates, including numerous festival appearances and a major tour to celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Final Countdown. Kicking off in Glasgow on September 30th, The Final Countdown 40th Anniversary Tour promises to unite the legacy that defined them with the renewed energy, driving them forward today.
Come This Madness album artwork by Storm Studios (Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin…).
Track listing:
One on One
The Cult of Ignorance
Come This Madness
This Time of Year
In a Different World
Scandinavian Eyes
Takin’ It Back
In the Absence of Grace
The Angels Must Have Flown
The Devil’s Back
Nothing Can Follow Thi
Come This Madness will be available on vinyl, CD and digital formats. Pre-orders can be placed Here
EUROPE are:
Joey Tempest – Lead Vocals
John Norum – Guitars
John Levén – Bass
Mic Michaeli – Keyboards
Ian Haugland – Drums
EUROPE links:
www.europetheband.com
www.facebook.com/europetheband
www.instagram.com/officialeuropetheband
www.youtube.com/europethebandtv
www.tiktok.com/@europethebandofficial
