Wayward Son band photo

EUROPE Rocks Swedish TV as House Band and Prepares for Epic Return

By Jason •
The legendary hard rockers EUROPE take center stage on 'På Spåret' while gearing up for an explosive new album and anniversary tour.

In a blistering display that only the seasoned veterans can muster, Swedish hard rock icons EUROPE served as the house band for the season premiere of the revered SVT TV game show "På Spåret" on September 18, 2026. Forget the typical concert setlist; these rock titans delivered brief yet electrifying musical interludes, providing a killer backdrop for guest artists and clues that kept contestants on their toes. Among the featured tracks was a fiery rendition of "Golden Eye," a cover of Tina Turner’s classic, featuring guest guitarist Michael "Micke" Helgé Åkesson, stepping in for the injured John Norum. Also gracing the stage was Jay Buchanan from RIVAL SONS, who joined the band for an epic take on "Carry On Wayward Son," sending shockwaves through the audience.

Mark your calendars, metalheads! EUROPE's highly anticipated new studio album, "Come This Madness," is set to drop on September 25 via Silver Lining Music. Recorded at the iconic RMV Studio in Stockholm, a hub established by Benny Andersson and Ludvig Andersson, this album promises to be a sonic juggernaut. The band has brought in heavyweights like Tobias Forge of GHOST and Mikael Åkerfeldt of OPETH for special guest appearances, while the production reins have been handled by the illustrious Tom Dalgety, a man with a track record that reads like a metal hall of fame. To ensure every note hits hard, the legendary Mike Fraser—known for his work with AC/DC and METALLICA—has been tapped to mix this soon-to-be classic.

With "Come This Madness," EUROPE delivers an album that embodies not just nostalgia but a fierce confrontation with the present. It's as if they are standing on the precipice of rock's future while firmly planted in its rich past. Leading up to this monumental release, the band is gearing up for an extensive tour that will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic "The Final Countdown." Kicking off in Glasgow on September 30, this tour is set to unite the legacy of the past with a renewed vigor that is palpable in every riff and lyric.

As if the excitement couldn't get any more intense, the artwork for "Come This Madness" has been crafted by the renowned Storm Studios, famous for their work with PINK FLOYD and LED ZEPPELIN. This visual masterpiece is sure to capture the essence of the album's raw energy and passion.

For those who can't wait, EUROPE has already unleashed a standalone single titled "Hold Your Head Up" in September 2023—a punchy, uptempo rocker that harkens back to the band's roots. This track was recorded at Atlantis Studios and mixed by Stefan Glaumann, who has worked his magic on records for RAMMSTEIN and DEF LEPPARD, ensuring that the flames of early EUROPE are well and truly stoked.

EUROPE's previous album, "Walk The Earth," released in October 2017, marked their return after a lengthy hiatus and showcased their relentless spirit. But with the upcoming "Come This Madness," they are poised to ignite a firestorm that will resonate through the metal community for years to come. Prepare yourselves!