When one thinks of the legendary classic metal band Europe, they immediately think of the memorable song “The Final Countdown” and their monster power ballad “Carrie”. Some might think, “oh yeah, they’re that band that appeared in that GEICO commercial with the lady with the microwave”, however, Madness To Creation thinks of a band that just exemplifies the word “prowess”, as Europe has released their latest effort entitled “Walk The Earth” via Hell & Back Recordings/Silver Lining Music.
Europe is composed of Joey Tempest on vocals, John Norum on guitars, Mic Michaeli on keyboards, John Leven on bass, and Ian Haugland on drums. Europe recorded “Walk The Earth” at the world famous Abbey Road Studios in London and they recruited Grammy-award winning producer Dave Cobb(Rival Sons, Shooter Jennings, Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton) for production of “Walk The Earth”.
Usually, you know a band has peaked, however Europe seems to be getting stronger with each song that they write and each note that they play. This notion is extremely evident in the second track of the album entitled “The Siege”. “The Siege” showcases that prowess that I discussed earlier with Tempest giving that little something extra in the chorus, Michaeli and Norum intertwining in the keys and guitars in an epic instrumental break, and Leven and Haugland sounding as cohesive as ever in the rhythm section, as the rhythm section is the driving force behind Europe. There is also something a little heavier in this track and this track is certainly the straw that stirs the drink.
“Kingdom United” showcases the lyrical prowess of Europe. It is a mix of it being politically charged(without being so freaking obnoxious about it), historically charged, and essentially tells the tale that we are doomed to repeat history if we don’t remember our history. Tempest sounds like he is on an old stage that Shakespeare would see his actors perform at and he seems to be bellowing the lyrics, which adds that prowess touch that Europe is trademarking as we speak, or they already have trademarked and maybe I’m just starting to take notice. “Pictures” showcases the ballad, softer side of Europe, yet it still sounds powerful, in my view, it really showcases John Norum as one of the underrated guitarists in the rock and metal world.
There are so many standout moments that exemplify the word “prowess” in “Walk The Earth” by Europe that I can’t list them all. You will simply have to pick this album up if you have not done so. It is fresh, it is classic, Europe is prowess. Madness To Creation rates this effort a solid 8.5 out of 10 stars. Time to get reconnected with the band that has sold over 25 million copies worldwide and see what the magic and the prowess is all about! Here is the track listing below!
- Walk The Earth
- The Siege
- Kingdom United
- Pictures
- Election Day
- Wolves
- GTO
- Haze
- Whenever You’re Ready
- Turn To Dust
Check out the music video for “Walk The Earth” below!
Europe will also be providing support for Deep Purple on a U.K. run. Check out the tour dates below!
Friday, November 17th- Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham, England
Saturday, November 18th- Manchester Arena in Manchester, England
Monday, November 20th- Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales
Wednesday, November 22nd- The SSE Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland
Thursday, November 23rd- The O2 Arena in London, England
For tickets and further information, go to www.europetheband.com
Find Europe at the following locations:
Website: http://europetheband.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/europetheband/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/europetheband
