Post by Victor Synn on Aug 28, 2004 16:14:45 GMT -5
I just happened upon this link to some soundbites from Europe's new CD on the Metal Sludge Underground board and thought I should do a preview. melodicrock.com also did a preview, so you can go check theirs as well. The disc, entitled "Start From the Dark" is not an album old Europe fans will recognize. It's definately a lot heavier than they've done in a while. I'm talking modern style heavy. Not Self-Titled or "Wings of Tomorrow" heavy. Norum and Leven are definately tuned down for this album. Thankfully, Joey Tempest doesn't seem to have lost anything on his voice, which is a good thing. I would say out of all the samples, I dug the title track and the ballad "Hero" the best. Europe never had a problem writing ballads and it seems like this is another that came out naturally for them. It isn't as strong a ballad as "Carrie," but it'll hold its own. If this album gets any mainstream play, it'll be on "Hero" or possily "Got to Have Faith." Basically a ballad or any song that sounds modern.
Now on a personal note, I am looking forward to this release, even if it does sound modern and nothing like the Europe of old. The only part that is sad is that I feel like Europe is trying to ride a wave in the industry in hopes of getting some major airplay. The downside to that is that their name will keep them from that goal. Everyone in the industry knows they are the ones who penned "The Final Countdown." And they are damned if they do and damned if they don't. So I think it would have been better for them to simply make a classic sounding Europe album and keep all their core fans happy and maybe new ones will come around. Remember...we aren't too far removed from the super-hook, boy band craze. There are still young people out there that might get turned on to the sound Europe had in the 80s. There's really no need to totally update your sound. But like I said, I've been waiting for a Europe reunion, CD, and tour since I was 15 years old, so this is my big chance to see one of my influences with all the original members. I can't wait!
Here is the link to the soundbites so all of you can take a listen for yourselves: www.melodicrock.com/minibytes.html
Now on a personal note, I am looking forward to this release, even if it does sound modern and nothing like the Europe of old. The only part that is sad is that I feel like Europe is trying to ride a wave in the industry in hopes of getting some major airplay. The downside to that is that their name will keep them from that goal. Everyone in the industry knows they are the ones who penned "The Final Countdown." And they are damned if they do and damned if they don't. So I think it would have been better for them to simply make a classic sounding Europe album and keep all their core fans happy and maybe new ones will come around. Remember...we aren't too far removed from the super-hook, boy band craze. There are still young people out there that might get turned on to the sound Europe had in the 80s. There's really no need to totally update your sound. But like I said, I've been waiting for a Europe reunion, CD, and tour since I was 15 years old, so this is my big chance to see one of my influences with all the original members. I can't wait!
Here is the link to the soundbites so all of you can take a listen for yourselves: www.melodicrock.com/minibytes.html
