EUROPE – new album and new song – Markus' Heavy Music Blog

After nine years, Europe are back with “Come This Madness”—their twelfth studio album and their most powerful musical statement to date. “Come This Madness” will be released on September 25 via Silver Lining Music / Hell & Back Recordings.

Europe, one of the few bands that rose to fame in the ’80s and still performs with its original lineup, has seen it all, has kept moving forward, never stood still, continues to evolve, adapts, and yet pushes ahead uncompromisingly. In these new songs, the band channels tension, honesty, and raw energy into an album that is deeply personal yet globally relevant. The first single, “One On One,” is released today and marks a powerful comeback for a band that sounds more focused than ever. The song, built on a driving bass riff and interwoven with rousing melodies, blends Europe’s classic sound with fresh, modern energy. It begins with an orchestral intro before transitioning into a riff-driven core and building to an energetic, stadium-ready hard rock moment. Created during a time of global silence but matured over the years, the song reflects both perseverance and evolution—a track the band couldn’t let go of and that ultimately became a defining moment on “Come This Madness.”

“‘One On One’ is definitely one of my favorite songs on the album,” says Joey Tempest, founding member and frontman of Europe. “The energy and vibe are fresh, and some of the melodies remind me of our early days. Lyrically, it’s perhaps not quite as escapist as early Europe. The lyrics reflect the times we live in today. Ever since ‘One On One’ was just a demo, we’ve stuck with it, never given up, and made it into what it is: a rousing, classic hard rock song.”

The new single is accompanied by an impressive and unconventional music video that heralds a bold new visual chapter for the band. Set in a stark, cinematic atmosphere, the video focuses on a single character—worn, broken, and emotionally vulnerable—brought to life by acclaimed actor Peter Stormare (Fargo, The Big Lebowski, Minority Report, 8MM, Armageddon) in a compelling and deeply human performance. “We’ve always known that Peter loves rock music, and when his name came up, it just felt right,” Tempest continues. “We wanted to approach the whole thing from a different angle—more stripped-down and unexpected.”

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/0PVLyBYNFj4?si=AlfGfzmHUpK-xYlG