Start From the Dark [Import]

Europe | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 4, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Tinted Records
• ASIN: B0002XMF9E
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #218,561 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

2004 album from Sweden's biggest ever rock band. The group's first collection of new material since 1991's 'Prisoners In Paradise' was produced by Kevin Elson (who had previously worked with Europe on their multi-platinum 1986 release, 'Final Countdown') & is said to feature a 'heavier' direction, in the vein of the group's earlier albums. Sony. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Please dont listen to bad reviews by stuck in 80's crowd, November 9, 2004

By 

J. Kimmel "TrogdortheBurninator" (PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Start From the Dark (Audio CD)

Europe's earliest albums were some of their best, long before the commercial Final Countdown came onto the airwaves. All they are doing with this album is going back to their roots, i.e. for all of you stuck in the 80's, no keyboards mucking up the music. I will admit that I too find certain nostalgia in the 80's commercial fluff the band put out. But originally Europe did not start out that way, and I am glad they are a heck of alot closer to what the original sound of the band was as intended. I hadnt expected to ever hear from them again, but now that I have heard the songs on this album , I can say that they are some of the best that the band has made. Hopefully, they will find enough success again to make it over here to the States because I for one would like the opportunity to hear them live. And yes, for you 80's buffs, id even like to hear them play Carrie again. If your stuck in the 80's , then dont buy this album. If you like early Europe and like good rock then please pick this one up.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't miss this one!, March 22, 2005

By 

scottydog (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Start From the Dark (Audio CD)

There is so much more to EUROPE than "the final countdown". This band from Sweden is severely underrated. In the 1980's, anyone who took the time to look past the media frenzy, hype, and imagery would have discovered a very talented band whose sound had more in common with YNGWIE MALMSTEEN or even an early RAINBOW than with the makeup-caked and perfuminated hordes of the commercial Metal/L.A. Glam scene with whom they were somewhat erroneously lumped into.

After a 13-year hiatus the boys are back, and what a difference this time has made. "Start From The Dark" marks the return of the classic lineup of Joey Tempest, John Norum, John Leven, Mic Michaeli and Ian Haughland with a sound that is similar to pre-final countdown EUROPE (a la Wings of Tomorrow), but modernized for the 21st Century and having some relevance to the modern rock scene of today. I hate to use the cliché "new and improved", but the EUROPE of today is a better band than the original. The big hair and silly clothes are gone. The guitars have been pushed up considerably! Keyboards still exist, but are used to complement the songs rather than dominate them. This album is total ROCK and is like a big middle finger in the face of critics who have snubbed this band for years. This is a serious band with a seriously impressive piece of work under its belt!

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first listened to this. On one hand part of me yearns for the slick melodicism and triumphant bombast of yesteryear. On the other hand, I believe artists are at their best when they apply gradual evolution and growth to their sound and was hoping to see some sort of maturity and change as well.

Fortunately, what I got was a welcome and refreshing surprise. "Start From The Dark" is one of the best modern Hard Rock/Metal albums out there, combining the best elements of both the old and new school. This is some pretty full-throttle, meat 'n potatoes Hard Rock/Metal with lots of crunchy guitar riffs, intelligent arrangements, and tasteful melodic leadwork. John Norum seems to have mastered the concept of punctuating a song without just playing flamethrower, and thus his solos sound more efficient and thought through and demonstrate great maturity and flexibility. Joey Tempest continues to display an ear for crafting solid song constructs with subtle hooks and infectious melodies that pull you in track after great track. After listening to this album only a few times, I had every song memorized and could list all the songs and write all the lyrics. Rarely can I do this when listening to a new album, and this is clear evidence of how memorable this material really is.

Simply put, this is excellent stuff! This is what Radio Rock should sound like! Standouts include "Got To Have Faith" with it's addictive vocal hook, the darkly catchy title track, heartfelt power-ballad "Hero", fist-pumping anthem "Wake Up Call", and the Thin Lizzy-esq, feel-good "Sucker". This is a mature and developed album. While a certain dark vibe permeates much of the material, it never becomes maudlin or depressing, but rather reflects a band that's intent upon expressing personal growth and soul-searching with the goal of remaining in this for the long haul. The end result is a selection of charismatic and intelligent, yet accessible songs that are at once cathartic and uplifting, thoughtful and life-affirming. This is what good music is supposed to be all about. "Start from the dark" is one of the finest albums of 2004/2005 and the strongest material EUROPE has ever recorded. Welcome back guys!!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Dignified Comeback, February 4, 2005

By 

Kubtan (FL, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Start From the Dark (Audio CD)

As an avid Europe fan, i'm impressed, but not totally blown away. This is a very good release. The sound is updated to match today's music, yet accented with some subtle early Europe melodic lines. Lyrics have always been one of the strongest points of Europe, and they still are. I'd venture to say that they've had the best lyrics of any rock band i've listened to, full of clarity, content, and emotion. The CD is well balanced, with slow, mid, and fast hard hitting tempos. I think this would be a very successful commercial release that would appeal to a broad range of listeners.

That said, being a Metal and Hard Rock fan, what would make this album totally great for me wouldv'e been more faster songs and more extended solos by Norum (a great guitarist). The band is true to their music, and I don't believe they're trying to be anything but themselves and that's what's important. I definitely recommend this album.