Europe have always understood the power of a great hook but on their new single ‘The Cult of Ignorance’, they take that instinct and sharpen it into something both infectious and thought-provoking.
The second track to be unveiled from their upcoming album ‘Come This Madness' (due September 25), ‘The Cult of Ignorance’ is a masterclass in contrast. It’s undeniably melodic—built around an instantly memorable hook and a soaring, anthemic chorus, but it never sacrifices its bite. Crunching guitars and a driving rhythm section give the song real weight, creating that sweet spot where classic arena rock meets modern urgency.
At its core, this is a song that thrives on tension. There’s a lightness in the melody, a kind of feel-good energy that invites you in, but underneath it all sits a pointed message about the world we’re living in. Frontman Joey Tempest describes it as “a straightforward rock anthem… written slightly tongue in cheek,” inspired by a phrase from Isaac Asimov. That balance: serious themes delivered with a wink and a killer chorus, is exactly what makes the track land so effectively.
Musically, it feels like Europe leaning fully into what they do best. The melodies are huge, the hooks immediate, and yet there’s a looseness to the performance that keeps it from feeling overworked. It’s the kind of song that sounds just as at home blasting through festival speakers as it does on a late-night drive, equally built for fists-in-the-air moments and reflective listens.
The accompanying video mirrors that sense of scale and personality, featuring a wide-ranging cast of familiar faces, from actress Malin Åkerman to tennis legend Stefan Edberg, astronaut Christer Fuglesang, and members of The Hives and Opeth. It’s a celebration of culture, creativity and individuality, fitting for a song that subtly critiques the opposite.
‘The Cult of Ignorance’ follows the release of ‘One on One’ and continues to build anticipation for ‘Come This Madness,' an album that promises to channel both personal reflection and global commentary. Recorded at RMV Studio in Stockholm and produced by Tom Dalgety, the record also features contributions from Tobias Forge and Mikael Åkerfeldt, with mixing handled by Mike Fraser. Pre-order the album right here.
If this single is anything to go by, Europe aren’t just revisiting their signature sound, they’re refining it. ‘The Cult of Ignorance’ proves that you can still write a big, melodic rock anthem that says something meaningful and make it sound effortless in the process.
