There was a time when a new album by your favourite band was a true event, but streaming has all but killed that once great pleasure. However, in the case of Europe, a new long player by the legendary Scandinavians is still a good reason to prioritise your time and well-earned cash. And here they are again, fattening up their discography with their twelfth big spinner, Come This Madness.
Europe – Come This Madness
Release Date: 25 September 2026
Words: Brian Boyle
40 years ago, Sweden’s melodic rock juggernaut Europe were not only going toe to toe with Bon Jovi in the hair stakes, but also battling it out for the title of the greatest rock anthem of 1986 with The Final Countdown and Livin’ On A Prayer respectively. While the New Jersey boys have undoubtedly had the greater of the commercial spoils, creatively they have been a spent force for years.
As for Joey Tempest and company, they have consistently produced the goods.
And Europe have never lost the knack for how to open an album with purpose. A regal intro from keyboardist Mic Michaeli unwraps the melodically monstrous One On One, setting the bar seriously high.
But we have been here before with Europe. They have never been a filler band. There is no spreading out the big ones.
That is why a truly gargantuan and hooks-aplenty The Cult Of Ignorance can follow, and what an immediate and euphoric shot to the veins it is.
Tempest has said in recent interviews that the album is a return to their traditional sound. That is true, but there is a lot more swagger about them these days. It is like the shackles are off, and you get that vibe full in the face with the title track.
Even the Christmas song This Time Of Year is not wedged down the back, and for all the usual festive clichés, it is still a striking piece of work. Plus, when it is done by a bunch of Scandinavians, it does land a lot better than the usual.
As soon as the Christmas lights are switched off, they revert to type with a rejoicing In A Different World, one of the many songs that are modern society themed. But that is a sideshow. The melody is always front and centre, and even if the verse is a tad mundane, you know an arresting hook is en route.
Recorded in a studio co-founded by ABBA hit churner Benny Andersson may have had an inspirational effect, and having a production/mixing team of Tom Dalgety (Ghost, Rammstein) and Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Van Halen) appears money well invested.
So much so that Tempest sounds as pure and pristine as he did when he first took on the world four decades ago. Listening to him rip through the galloping Scandinavian Eyes is a joy to the ears, and the modern-day Deep Purple flavour brings out his controlled ferocity perfectly.
Since the classic lineup reformed in 2003, it is fair to say that the eleven-year hiatus has worked wonders. Many would say getting John Norum back in the band was the real catalyst for their sustained run of form since.
It is hard to argue with that when you hear him soar to great heights on Takin’ It Back. There is nothing flashy here, but every solo and riff he creates simply complements everything Tempest does. In a way, it’s akin to when Adrian Smith rejoined Iron Maiden and everything just slotted back into place.
There is plenty left in the pot down the tail end of the album. You get sporadic shots of prog on The Angels Must Have Flown, followed by a decent helping of pure unadulterated classic rock on The Devil’s Back.
I must admit feeling like a spoilt pup for not totally getting on board with closer Nothing Can Follow This. But that is okay, as plenty of others will love it for me.Â
Still, that does not detract from this album having tremendous strength in depth. You could be listening to a greatest hits collection, for god’s sake.
Best album since Out Of This World? I would say it is pretty damn close. If it takes another nine years until the next one, and quality like this is the result, then so be it.
Europe release Come This Madness on 25 September 2026 via Silver Lining Music. Pre-orders are available from lnk.to/EuropeComeThisMadnessAlbum. For tour tickets and a full list of dates, visit europetheband.com.
