Europe Bag of Bones Review

Bag of Bones is Europe’s ninth album and the follow up to 2009’s successful “Last Look At Eden” and is released on the 30th of April through Earmusic.

I have been a fan of Europe right back to their first release in 1983 and after living with this cd on constant rotation for the last 2 weeks I have to say that I do believe this is their finest release.

If “Eden” was the starter this is the main course. As the mighty riff of cd opener “Riches To Rags” comes belting out of the starting gate this is a band making a statement.

Going back to their roots of classic 70’s rock elements of Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Whitesnake and UFO come to the fore. Huge riffs, pounding drums and bass, Hammond organ and vocals to die for.

Working with producer of the moment Kevin Shirley has taken it to another level with a deep sound where every instrument has its place creating a soundscape few can match.

If you think of Europe of a ballad band you will be disappointed as riff after riff hits home. In fact only the short orchestration prelude “Requiem” and last track “Bring It All Home” bring the pace down.


3 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. Huge drums and patterns from Ian Haugland with John Leven on bass and Mic Michaeli adding the depth to every song.

Recording the songs one after the other till they were finished and mainly on live takes finally gives the sound that anyone who has seen the band live over the years knew what they were capable of.

Next up is the first single “Not Supposed To Sing The Blues” which I rave reviewed here recently. Nothing has changed to my opinion if anything this is where the band are in 2012 and the interplay towards the end of the song between Joey and John is quite magical.

“Firefox” again hits hard with a huge riff and drum patterns and a swirling Hammond riff before the song settles into a stabbing riff before a big chorus and riff hammers home. The song then quietens to an Eastern near sitar riff before the epic guitar solo. Always melodic never just about how many notes he can play. Always trying to take the song to another level.

This song has at least 4 different riffs in it and the ending has with hits huge drum patterns could have come from a Black Country Communion song. Kevin Shirley’s influence!!

Next the title track which starts with an acoustic intro and some great slide guitar from guest Joe Bonamassa before it changes pace with another huge bouncing riff and which I’m sure will be a crowd favourite on the upcoming tour!! Brilliant! And a solo from John that I’m sure Joe would have loved to have played.

The band use the light/heavy shades to the music so well as they know it hits hard and draws the listener in and you never know where it is going next.

The short orchestration piece “Requiem” leads into “My Woman My Friend” which starts with a piano and Joey vocal showing off his range before the song veers off tangent to a slow heavy riff which Tony Iommi would approve off!!A real surprise as you think ballad. Some great interplay with John’s extended solo over the last minute of the song with Mic’s Hammond really coming to the fore.

“Demonhead” is another fast paced heavy guitar and Hammond riff led song that again will be great live. The last minute or so again has huge Hammond swirls, drum patterns with Joey putting every last ounce he’s got into it.

“Drink And A Smile” could have come off a Led Zeppelin cd with its stripped down acoustic feel with Joey showing off some real soulful vocals.

“Doghouse” was debuted on last years “Balls N’ Banners” tour and its studio counterpart with its catchy riff is another excellent song. Joey really shines and shows his voice has got better with age and again Mic’s Hammond sound underpins the song. John adds extra solos all through the song and it really has a live feel to it. You can’t help wanting to clap your hands along to the slower part too!!

Just when you think that it can’t get any better “Mercy Me Mercy You” bashes you over the head with yet another huge guitar and Hammond riff over another Haugland drum pattern. Wow!!Joey lets it all go and produces a vocal of the top quality. Again a short slow section drags you in before bang the band come back in and blow you away. The guitar solo is wonderful before another band ending with everyone jostling to be heard!!Another live favourite I’m sure!!

Final song “Bring It All Home” is the ballad you have expected all along. A gentle song showing off the band that has recorded a real balls out rocker of a cd but can still tell a story. Some excellent guitar fills before a quite exquisite guitar solo that shows off John’s technique to the max.

Over the course of 40 minutes Europe have produced a quite brilliant cd that should be huge. Anyone who like heavy rock should buy it.

Every band member produces a top notch performance and Kevin Shirley has done a marvellous job of catching the band at their best.

Ever better than “Eden” this should continue their ascent back to the top of the pile where they belong.

Album of the year!!


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