CD REVIEW: WAR OF KINGS by Europe

WAR OF KINGS by Europe
( UDR Music )

Europe return with their 10th studio release, 'War Of Kings'. Recorded at the brand new PanGaia Studios in Stockholm, Sweden, produced by Dave Cobb (Rival Sons) and engineered by John Netti. 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 and Ian Haugland – drums, percussion, backing vocals. 'War Of Kings'  opens with the title track and clearly sates its intent for the whole album. It simply rocks and takes no prisoners. This continues with the excellent track, "Hole In My Pocket". A hard hitting chunky riff in the verse leading to a melodic chorus. Other tracks guaranteed to get your blood pumping are, "Nothin’ To Ya", the Deep Purple vibe of, "California 405" and "Days Of Rock N Roll". Hats off to Dave Cobb (Rival Sons/California Breed) for an excellent job in the production department. The song writing on 'War Of Kings' is excellent, the lyrics are well crafted and full of emotion and soul, as is Joey's Vocal performance. John Norum's guitar playing, as always. The thing that impresses me with this band is their ability to evolve with each album they release, and give the listener something that is genuinely different to the last offering. So many bands churn out album after album using the same tired old formula, but not these guys! 'War Of Kings ' is a pure rock album with a lot of soul thrown in, expertly performed by one of the best, and most underated rock bands out there today. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine