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Hard Rock
Silver Lining
New Release
Europe
Come This Madness
Reviewed in issue:
116
Release Date:
25 Sept 2026
Reviewed by:
🟣 Ant Heeks
For Fans Of
Rainbow
Thin Lizzy
Deep Purple
Top three tracks
• The Cult Of Ignorance
• Come This Madness
• The Devil’s Back
Fireworks Verdict:
"contender for Best Album of 2026? Potentially…"
THE REVIEW
Words Of Wisdom!
It’s fair to say that Europe’s output since their 2004 comeback has certainly divided opinions. Even though there were a number of fans who claimed that the band went too commercial with ‘The Final Countdown’ (an unfair judgement considering it was only their third album!), back in their eighties/early nineties heyday they were pretty untouchable. However, the more modern/contemporary sound of ‘Start From The Dark’ which has subsequently incorporated a more seventies-influenced Classic Rock style, hasn’t always endeared Europe to the fans; I’ve always been of the opinion that no two Europe albums have ever sounded alike, even during their first period, so I’m always open to anything they’ve produced.
When the single ‘Hold Your Head Up’ was released in 2024 as a precursor to ‘Come This Madness’ (though the song isn’t actually included on the album), the press release described it as “Reminiscent of early Europe” and hinted that the forthcoming album would follow a similar direction, and I have to admit that it certainly is something of a throwback to the Europe we all loved back in the eighties. Now, before you all get overly excited and begin salivating, I warn you that ‘Prisoners In Paradise Part 2’ this is certainly not, but it’s as close to “classic” Europe that this incarnation of band are ever likely to get.
"It’s fair to say that Europe’s output since their 2004 comeback has certainly divided opinions."
While still delivering the heavier and more contemporary Europe at heart, it’s definitely livelier and the melodies are certainly stronger and more instantly accessible than anything on their previous two albums; let’s be honest, second single ‘The Cult Of Ignorance’ is arguably the best thing they’ve done since reforming. Also, Mic Michaeli’s keyboards seem more prominent, sharing equal space with John Norum’s guitar rather than underpinning it. Europe have relied strongly on the moody, mid-tempo pieces recently, and opener ‘One On One’ continues that tradition, yet elsewhere the likes of the title track, ‘Scandinavian Eyes’, ‘Takin’ It Back’ and the shuffle of ‘The Devil’s Back’ all get the adrenaline pumping. Indeed, though ‘In The Absence Of Grace’ is a short, vocal/orchestral interlude, the only real ballad is ‘This Time Of Year’, a gorgeous, piano-led, lighter-waving anthem – a ‘Carrie’ for the modern age perhaps?
"‘The Cult Of Ignorance’ is arguably the best thing they’ve done since reforming."
I truly believe that ‘Come This Madness’ is by far the best thing Europe have recorded since their reformation, and that it’s also better than some of their eighties albums too. And contender for Best Album of 2026? Potentially…
Reviewer:
🟣 Ant Heeks
Let Us Know The Score!
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85
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