When Europe released their 2009 album Last Look At Eden, with their symphonic intro and first track that symphonic metal feel, there was a heavenly hope that Europe may turn their way back to their 80s melodic metal root. But we must close their "Final Countdown" era chapter closely, even as earlier as decade ago for this hope. Europe is too busy to return what they already dismissed. Today, Europe is still the big name when playing music, and a blues hard rock style is the lucky style they pick to explore.
Bag of Bones is nowhere Europe of 80s we know, but noway a bad album either. In fact, if you really love music and to be precise love traditional hard rock with strong bluesy licks, this album will licks you into wet dreaming. Bag of Bones is a fine hard rock album with veteran musician know exactly what they what in every single note. John Norum is shine every time the guitar picked the highlight. Singer Joey Tempest is what every Europe song sounds Europe. We be served a nostalgic "Seven Door Hotels" moment, when I heard track My Women My Friend. It's hard to refused to say Tempest is one of best character vocal to sing in this style, so natural bluesy.
Mic Michaeli keyboard support is now transform perfectly from shredding metal solo to Deep Purple-ish hammond and blue tuts. Rhythm section Ian the drummer and Leven bass put in the support that dictate the every song literally.
For you who believe in music, this album will tear you down. Europe put in many elements of music and serve it with blues hard rock as main theme. There is a funk (Riches to Rags) and something like a modern alternative rock in almost 70% of the album. Cleverly composed by Europe, and let's not forget the architect behind the production, producer Kevin Shirley. Their transformation is similar to Bon Jovi, now only play a country rock music instead their 80s glam rock. One more note is the highly visual attractive cover album which to me just like ala Agatha Christie the find your clue game graphic.
Metal Harem class: ******* 7 stars out of 10
Europe Bag of Bones 2012
buy it here
01. Riches to Rags
02. Not Supposed to Sing the Blues
03. Firebox
04. Bag of Bones
05. Requiem
06. My Woman My Friend
07. Demon Head
08. Drink and a Smile
09. Doghouse
10. Mercy You Mercy Me
11. Bring It All Home (Japan Bonus)
Joey Tempest (vocals)
John Norum (guitar)
John Levén (bass)
Mic Michaeli (keyboards)
Ian Haugland (drums)
Joe Bonamassa (slide guitar on title track)
Produced by Kevin Shirley
can you find hidden object in this Europe Graphic Cover Art album?
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