EUROPE - Bag Of Bones (Release April, Gain (Sca) earMUSIC/Edel (EU) Victor(Jap))

Since their reunion in 2003 Europe decided it was time to change direction into a much harder and modern sound and that's reflected in their four albums released since that time. Bags Of Bones combines melody with strong and heavy riffs and Hammond keys all produced by Kevin Shirley but songs offer nothing new, no catchy chorus, no funny tunes, no impressive solos or riffs... no nothing. The sound of this album is some kind of Led Zepp meets Black Sabbath meets Deep Purple all under the name Europe and covered with a modern vibe... strange mix.
Riches To Rags is built on heavy guitars and some Hammond. Is a raw and dark tune.
Not Supposed To Sing The Blues is the first single from this album. The song comes with a heavy rhythm and some arabian touches. Some guitar distortion reminds of Soundgarden while the track is heavy on Hammond.
Firebox is an alternative cut. You'll find reminiscent from India that leads to a nice guitar solo. Drums could be taken by any album of Alice In Chains.
Bag Of Bones starts with some acoustic guitar and Hammond but soon becomes faster and electric. This cut is one of the highlights of this album.
Requiem is an instrumental piece of only 29 seconds while My Woman My Friend once again comes with a heavy riff but this time guitar solo is quite good.
Drink and a Smile is so Zeppelian built on acoustic guitars and ending with some clapping hands while Doghouse is raw with an excellent work by John Norum. Tha last part of the album is more of the same with the exception of Bring It All Home, a ballad introducing some piano but built on modern drum rhythm. Maybe the best song in this album and a sure single.

In summary, an album that comes late. This sound is more from the 90's and early 00's and nowadays the public is turning into a more melodic style so fans of the 80's Europe will hate this album while new fans won't find anything interesting here so the album will enjoy some success when release, specially in northern countries, but soon will fade from charts everywhere.

Sounds:








Not Supposed To Sing The Blues (official video)