Remembering
those golden years of mtv when bands like Europe took over the video waves.
Songs like "Carrie" and final countdown are forever burned into my teenage
mind."The Final Countdown" alone has rocketed forth from so many
stadiums and sporting events over the years, that it would be impossible to
count. War of Kings, the 10th studio album, is a heavier and
streamlined Europe. This band sounds like a
prize fighter begging to get back in the ring.
It is less Smiles and bubble gum pop rock, and more brooding, dark, a
hard rock atmospheric. You can still feel the musical sensibility. The song
writing is top notch and the hits are there. This album is a testament to the
bands staying power. Legendary are not terms you can apply to every band. Europe is one of those few. With the rise of "Final
Countdown" Europe solidified themselves
as a major contender to the throne of iconic metal. Then during the Grunge age,
they fell away from America's
favor. After reuniting in 2003 they have begun a steady trek back across the
littered fields of burnt out metal and rock bands. "War Of Kings" is
the album that will carry them to the throne room once again. Simply put it is
one damn good heavy rock album. The
title track is an in your face atmospheric assault on your senses. Guitarist
John Norum is one of the best shredders on the planet and he shines all over
this album. Joey Tempest sounds amazing and more importantly he sounds hungry.
Hungry to prove something. No need to prove anything to the diehard fans. We
know Joey. We know.
- MetalRising
War of Kings
1) War Of Kings
2) Hole In My Pocket
3) Second Day
4) Praise You
5) Nothin’ To Ya
6) California 405
7) Days Of Rock n Roll
8) Children Of The Mind
9) Rainbow Bridge
10) Angels (With Broken Hearts)
11) Light Me Up
Bonus: Vasastan (Instrumental)
2) Hole In My Pocket
3) Second Day
4) Praise You
5) Nothin’ To Ya
6) California 405
7) Days Of Rock n Roll
8) Children Of The Mind
9) Rainbow Bridge
10) Angels (With Broken Hearts)
11) Light Me Up
Bonus: Vasastan (Instrumental)
EUROPE
is:
Joey Tempest – lead vocals, acoustic & rhythm guitar,
keyboards
John Norum – lead & rhythm guitars, backing vocals
John Leven – bass, backing vocals
Mic Michaeli – keyboards, piano, backing vocals, rhythm
guitar
Ian Haugland – drums, percussion, backing vocals
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