Swedish hard rockers EUROPE have set “Bag Of Bones” as the title of their ninth studio album, tentatively due in April. The CD is being produced by Kevin Shirley, who has previously worked with IRON MAIDEN, JOE BONAMASSA, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, BLACK STONE CHERRY and JOURNEY, among others.
Regarding the new CD title, EUROPE drummer Ian Haugland said, “It’s not [called ‘Bag Of Bones’] because we all have lost tons of weight or found a new interest in archeology or dogs… It’s just because it sounds fuckin’ cool!”
In a July 2011 press release, EUROPE singer Joey Tempest stated about the bands’ new CD, “We still feel we have one hell of a rock record to make. Kevin’s the man for the job. We love his work with BONAMASSA, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, and BLACK STONE CHERRY. He’s the real deal. We’re ready to do some serious damage.”
Last year, EUROPE met up with Shirley in Stockholm to discuss the direction of the next album. Based on reactions from the fans and media, EUROPE’s 2009 album, “Last Look At Eden”, proved to be the band’s most important record since “The Final Countdown”. “I’ve been a big fan of EUROPE’s work for many years,” said Shirley. “The band is influential and highly underrated. I can’t wait to make the upcoming album their most explosive to date.”
The new material suggests a more straightforward rock approach evident in “Doghouse” — a new song EUROPE performed on their most recent U.K. tour (see video below). The song is also featured on EUROPE’s “Europe: Live at Shepherd’s Bush” DVD, released in August 2011 via earMUSIC CDs and DVDs.
earMUSIC last year released a limited deluxe book with pictures by Denis O’Regan. “Live Look At Eden” features exclusive live audio and the stunning performance at 2010’s iTunes Festival in London.
Source: www.blabbermouth.net