Europe
Start From The Dark

THE REVIEW

The historic Swedes from Stockholm return to the scene after a long silence that lasted a full thirteen years, having left us with that A.O.R. masterpiece from the nineties known as "Prisoners In Paradise" from 1991.

Instead of continuing with the pomp-rock, eighties-flavored line, the five Scandinavians completely upset the sound that made them famous in favor of a much rougher approach, closer to sound reminiscent of a rather modern hard-metal. The final result gives the band a "heavy" attitude that baffles and pleasantly surprises, confirming to many that the roots of the famous quintet are deeply set in musical genres very different from what was offered in the nonetheless seminal "The Final Countdown" and "Out Of This World". The start entrusted to "Got To Have Faith" immediately lets flow an aggressive, dirty sound at times, dominated by a very tight riffing seasoned with a scorching solo, while the rhythmic support of the Levén-Haugland duo imparts power and precision. And Joey Tempest? It is here that we understand what kind of singer we are dealing with! Having abandoned the hard-rocking flaunts of the past, the hairy singer reveals an enviable histrionic talent, capable of engaging in a vocal modernism diametrically opposed to the glam glories of the eighties.

Melancholy and heaviness accompany us in "Start From The Dark" with slower rhythms compared to the opener. Here too, Tempest combines angry verses with choruses full of nostalgic melody, followed by an inspired Norum in the riffing and essential in the solos. As the tracks progress, we move from sweet ballads with enviable emotional levels like "My Hero" and "Roll With You", to aggressive and pressing tracks like "Flames", "Song Nr. 12", and "Spirit Of The Underdog". Indeed, the new spirit of the combo is embodied in the fusion between the melodic rock atmospheres of well-known previous works and a groove attitude from the pressing, incisive guitar work, tirelessly stretching between almost Sabbathian riffs and brilliant, never predictable solos. The finale entrusted to the duo "My America"-"Settle For Love" only confirms the aforementioned theory of skillfully mixing different styles. The first is, in fact, anthemic, angry, built around walls of metallic guitars and adorned with a highly effective "screamed" bridge where John and Joey let their fiery musical relationship worthy of the memorable "Scream Of Anger" from the epic "Wings Of Tomorrow" leak out. The second, however, reveals pure delicacy and elegance transposed into music. A gentle acoustic ballad highlights the genuine talent of the singer, gently taking us by the hand and leading us towards sounds close to the solo album "A Place To Call Home" amidst dreaming harmonies and a warm vocal interpretation. Truly refined.

The return of Europe represents an important chapter in the recent history of continental hard rock and beyond, but most importantly, offers us artists inclined towards a modern attitude, eager to engage in today's musical landscape. Aware of their glorious past, the five Swedes have been able to extract its peculiarities, reproposing them in a different version, winking at the current times and, consequently, not appearing tacky or commercial like the ridiculous Motley Crue and company.

A consistent and professional work that will not fail to thrill long-time fans and newcomers interested in original proposals. Welcome back.