Europe are a band whose great songs often get overlooked by one hit. Songs like “Rock The Night,” “Superstitious” and “Cherokee” are just as strong- if not better- than “The Final Countdown,” their latest record- Come This Madness is loaded with more anthems and timeless classics.
“One on One” and “Cult of Ignorance” open the record up with a guaranteed hit that measures up to the band’s biggest hits and show right off the bat the band isn’t resting on their legacy or laurels, the latter of which is a narrative on the problematic world we’re surrounded by.
Then there’s “This Time of Year,” which is an emotionally charged ballad that applies to more than just the holidays and all about getting to any time of year that reminds you of the happy times you had with the ones you loved before they passed on.
John Norum’s guitar riffs are better than ever, with “In a Different World,” the Alice Cooper-esque rhythm’s of “Scandinavian Eyes” and the synchronized guitar intro of “Takin’ it Back” before it rips into a fast-paced rocker.
Then there’s the sense of elegance with the intro to “One on One,” the opening of “Scandinavian Eyes” and other tracks’ theatrically gorgeous breakdowns scattered throughout the record.
Singer Joey Tempest’s vocals are just as strong and powerful as they were 40 years ago and, with Come This Madness, Europe are out to prove that they’re more than the hit song everyone remembers them for and have put together a record that- if it was released in their heyday, would have fit in with the rest of their work.
Come This Madness is loaded with new fan favorites and you’ll be asking yourself if it’s still 2026. Europe are back and they’re better than ever and Come This Madness shows that they band never lost their stride and can still write stellar music that nears perfection.
Rating: 9/10
-Reggie Edwards