After nearly a decade of silence on the studio front, Europe are back and they’re not easing their way in. With the release of new single “One On One” and the announcement of their 12th studio album ‘Come This Madness' (out September 25), the Swedish rock icons are making it clear: this is not a nostalgia play. It’s a reinvention. Pre-order the album right here.
For a band whose legacy stretches from arena-dominating hits to critically respected later work, the return could have leaned on familiarity. Instead, ‘Come This Madness' positions Europe at their most direct, most modern, and arguably most uncompromising.
At the centre of it all is ‘One On One,' the first new music from the band in nine years and a statement of intent.
Built on a muscular bassline and layered with soaring melodic hooks, the track opens with an orchestral swell before crashing into a riff-driven core that feels both classic and contemporary. It’s unmistakably Europe, but sharpened—less glossy, more grounded. The production carries weight, the arrangement breathes, and the payoff is an arena-sized chorus that doesn’t feel forced, but earned.
Frontman Joey Tempest describes the track as a long-evolving piece, one the band refused to abandon:
“‘One On One’ is definitely one of my favourite tracks from the album. The power and feel is fresh, but some of the melodies bring me back to where it all began. Lyrically, it’s perhaps not filled with as much escapism as early Europe. These lyrics automatically ended up being more of a reflection of the times we live in today. Ever since ‘One On One’ was just a demo, we’ve stayed with it… never gave up on it, and elevated it to a place where it belongs: a high-flying, classic hard rock track.”
That last point is key. Where earlier Europe records often leaned into escapism and grandeur, ‘One On One' feels more reflective—shaped by time, perspective, and a world that has shifted dramatically since their last release.
That shift extends visually as well. The accompanying video, directed by Patric Ullaeus, strips things back to a stark, cinematic concept centred on a single, emotionally exposed character played by actor Peter Stormare. It’s a bold departure from traditional rock visuals: intimate, unsettling, and human.
The single is just the entry point into ‘Come This Madness,' an album that promises to explore tension, truth, and modern identity across tracks like ‘The Cult of Ignorance' and the title cut. Early indications suggest a record that balances personal introspection with broader social commentary, less about escapism, more about confrontation.
Sonically, the album benefits from a formidable creative team. Produced by Tom Dalgety—known for his work with Ghost, Rammstein and Pixies—the record carries a modern, muscular edge without losing the band’s identity. Dalgety’s involvement went far beyond production, with Tempest describing him as “a sixth member” who even contributed to the songwriting.
Recording took place at RMV Studio in Stockholm, a space tied to ABBA’s Benny Andersson, adding another layer of musical heritage to the project. The album also features guest appearances from Tobias Forge and Mikael Åkerfeldt, further bridging generations of rock. Mixing duties were handled by Mike Fraser, whose résumé includes AC/DC and Metallica, a choice that reinforces the album’s balance between polish and power.
What makes this return particularly compelling is the sense of purpose behind it. Europe aren’t simply picking up where they left off; they’re responding to the present moment. There’s a weight to the material, a refusal to look away or soften the edges.
