Europe--Europe (1983/Epic)
Rating--8.3
Seven Doors Hotel--RealAudio
Kind of hard to believe this is the same group that would release a good deal of fluff later on in the decade!
On this release,
the band reminds at times of various bands. Are you ready for this? Try a 15-years-earlier Hammerfall.
Yep. A bit of the Maiden gallop, some very Manowar-like themes,
and strains of the "technical" flash bands, such as Dokken and the underrated
Leatherwolf.
Not enough for you? Wellll.... this also reminds me of the current Euro-power explosion, led by the likes
of Stratovarius and Elegy. That is, it's sort
of a pre-power/prog sound, before there was such a thing. Thumping basslines, mixed and majestic vocals, and
great lead runs and underlying guitar toolings.
So, the questions becomes.... What happened?? Ah well, there's no use in trying to figure it out. Just enjoy the music...
"In the Future to Come" starts out in a rolling and driving fashion, and remains solid throughout. Similar strong riffs show up in
"Paradize Bay." The majestic "Seven Doors Hotel" has a soaring and vibrant chorus, powered by the golden-throated Joey
Tempest, along with splendid riffs from John Norum. The heavy "Memories" again allows Norum to shine, as there is strafing work
throughout that serves as the main driving force.
Both "Farewell" and "Children of This Time" are solid, and the lighter,
almost mystical "The King Will Return" is another testament to the talent the band displayed through this style--but one they
would eventually abandon.
Somewhat tough to find on CD, but if you see it, grab it. I had to order mine, and it's worth it. Sound
clips coming soon...
TRACK LIST: In the Future to Come/Farewell/Seven Doors Hotel/The King Will Return/Boyazont/Children of This Time/Words
of Wisdom/Paradize Bay/Memories
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