It seems like an age ago – certainly it was one of our earliest reviews – since Europe’s long-player, the mighty ‘last look at Eden’ comprehensively blew our minds. The depth of song writing on display, the muscular guitar-driven rock and Joey Tempest’s remarkable voice all collided to craft a timeless, hard-rock classic and so we are more than a little excited about the new release, which not only threatens to blow the previous disc out of the water, but which also features a collaboration with Joe Bonamassa. Preceded by a single ‘not supposed to sing the blues’, reviewed below, we have no doubt that ‘bag of bones’ is going to rock your world.
We were lucky enough to hear the new single and we are very pleased to report that it contains a rock solid riff, powerful mid-tempo drumming and one of Joey Tempest’s very strongest vocals. Hints of Black Country Communion, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple all shine through in Kevin Shirley’s typically expansive production, and the lyrics are destined to be a sing-a-long favourite of festival crowds everywhere. The biggest revelation, at least on this evidence, is Joey’s voice which seems to have developed even further since the last album and he simply shines here, proving unequivocally that he is one of hard rock’s very finest vocalists. The mighty John Norum, meanwhile, contributes a fine guitar solo that is beautifully restrained and fluid and the whole suggests an album of class and power indeed.
If that alone doesn’t whet your appetite, read on and get the full details of one of 2012’s most anticipated releases.
earMUSIC, rock leg of the Hamburg, Germany, based full entertainment company Edel, is thrilled to announce the new album of THE Swedish rock supergroup, EUROPE. The long player, set for UK release on Monday 30th April 2012, is entitled Bag of Bones.
The new record was produced by one of the world’s most prestigious producers, Kevin Shirley. No stranger to the crème de la crème of iconic rock, Shirley has produced albums for Iron Maiden, Joe Bonamassa, Black Country Communion, Black Stone Cherry and Journey. Bag of Bones features 11 brand new tracks, including the first single, Not Supposed To Sing The Blues, which will be serviced to radio this Friday, March 2nd and will be released digitally March 9th.
The band recently unveiled the album artwork and now is ready to confirm the track listing of the new album, which is said to be a milestone in Sweden’s biggest hard rock band’s long lasting career. Prior to the recordings, when EUROPE front man Joey Tempest confessed, “We’re ready to do some serious damage,” – he could not have been anymore correct. Bag of Bones was already titled “one hell of a record” and is the successor of EUROPE‘s 2009 album Last Look at Eden, which proved to be the band’s most important record since The Final Countdown.
Says singer Joey Tempest: “Finally we express ourselves completely without restraint. Straight from heart and soul. It took some time but WE HAVE ARRIVED!”
Contributing slide guitar to the title track Bag of Bones is no one less but currently hottest blues rock name, Joe Bonamassa. “We’re honored that Joe Bonamassa wanted to play some slide guitar on our record. We’re all big fans of his music”, Tempest points out.
The album, which features a more straightforward rock approach including the track Doghouse, already performed during the band’s most recent European tour, is going to be available in a standard CD version as well as on classy vinyl.
Album Track Listing:
1. Riches To Rags
2. Not Supposed To Sing The Blues
3. Firebox
4. Bag Of Bones
5. Requiem
6. My Woman My Friend
7. Demon Head
8. Drink And A Smile
9. Doghouse
10. Mercy You Mercy Me
11. Bring It All Home
EUROPE drummer Ian Haugland sums up the taste of the new album – “If Bag of Bones was a dinner menu at a restaurant, it would get 5 stars in the Michelin guide. We are ready to take your orders!”
EUROPE are also embedded into the European Handball Federation’s (EHF) Champions League finals in 2012. Part of the EHF & EUROPE Campaign will be a band performance during the “Final4 tournament” award ceremonies on May 27th in Cologne, Germany.
Having confirmed some first festival appearances across Europe over the summer, the Scandinavians are also set to hit worldwide stages with extended touring fall and onwards.
01.05. Thanks Jimi Festival – Wroclaw (PL)
17.05. Bikers Festival – Wetzikon (CH)
25.05. Metallasvenskan – Orebro (S)
24.06. Graspop Festival – Dessel (B)
30.06. Kirunafestivalen – Kiruna (S)
21.07. Olsa Live – Porvoo (FIN)
27.07. Rock Of Ages – Seebronn (GER)
