Europe

Walk The Earth Hell And Back Recordings

Dave Cobb helps the Swedes unleash 70s fire again Europe’s second album under the production wisdom of Dave Cobb (Rival Sons, Jason Isbell) doesn’t upset the applecart – but he has teased out even more of their 70s fixations. Now almost unrecognisable from the days of their bombastic synth-led anthem, The Final Countdown, they’ve settled instead into a Hammond-soaked blues-rock persona that blends the bombast of Rainbow with the groove of Uriah Heap and Led Zeppelin. Joey Tempest and company are at their best in the last third when they’re blazing; the ever-dependable John Norum positively fiery on

Whenever You’re Ready and the Deep Purple-esque GTO. They wear the even harder edge of Haze just as well, cementing a band who continue to add to their legacy with strong, assured albums. [DH] Standout track: Whenever You’re Ready For fans of: Deep Purple, Rainbow, Led Zeppelin