EUROPE - Bag Of Bones (2012)

*

The mighty Swedes EUROPE are back with the ninth album of their career, the brand new "Bag Of Bones".
On this recording the band have decided go back to their roots and simply play pure heavy rock and roll, with classic elements of Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Whitesnake or UFO, delivering huge riffs, pounding drums and bass, Hammond organ and vocals to die for.

If you think of Europe as the old ballad band, you will be disappointed as riff after riff hits home on this new album.
The three-minute opener "Riches To Rags" says it all. Huge riff from John Norum and a solo to match. He really does shine on this CD and his partnership with Joey Tempest on vocals is just stunning, with great drums and patterns from Ian Haugland & John Leven on bass, and Mic Michaeli adding the depth to every song.
In this rocking CD, only the short orchestration prelude "Requiem" and last track "Bring It All Home", brings the pace down.
"Not Supposed to Sing the Blues", the advanced single, was a clear demonstation of the retro orientation of this new recording.
The title song, "Bag Of Bones", with Joe Bonamassa guesting on guitar, is an absolute classic; and "Firebox" (with shades of Zep's 'Kashmir') is not very far behind.

"My Woman My Friend" proves that Joey Tempest still has the range in his voice and we also have great keyboards and a Norum solo.
"Drink And A Smile" is a great acoustic again with some Led Zeppelin scent, a bluesy track followed by the vintage and effective rocker "Doghouse".
"Demon Head" could have been written by Whitesnake with its opening keyboards and superb vocals from Joey in a very classic Hard Rock way.
"Bring It All Home" ends the regular edition in the form of a stupendous bluesy ballad, while the Japanese bonus "Beautiful Disaster" gives us another shot of rockin' brilliance.


Definitively, in this present Europe the AOR and ballads are gone, but we have gained a really, really good Classic Rock / Hard Rock band.
To sum up, "Bag Of Bones" has great songs, excellent vocals and super-musicianship by all the members, with a special mention to John Norum's brilliant guitar work. Kevin Shirley's production is faultless as always, providing a vibrant sound.
A highly recommended purchase for any rock fan.


01 - Riches To Rags
02 - Not Supposed To Sing The Blues
03 - Firebox
04 - Bag Of Bones
05 - Requiem
06 - My Woman My Friend
07 - Demon Head
08 - Drink And A Smile
09 - Doghouse
10 - Mercy You Mercy Me
11 - Bring It All Home
12 - Beautiful Disaster (Japan Bonus Track)


Joey Tempest (Vocals)
John Norum (Guitars)
John Leven (Bass)
Mic Michaeli (Keyboards)
Ian Haugland (Drums)
Joe Bonamassa (guest Guitar)



BUY IT !
www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=VICP-65047