Customer Reviews

Start From the Dark

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!!

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.

Europe for me have always been my favorite band since i've been a little boy. I remember when The Final Countdown came out in 1986, i was About 5-6 years old. I became hysteric everytime i listned to it. I grown up listen to Europe.
year 1992 they decided to take a big break after 10 years in a road, as a band, alot of people thought that it was the end of the band, including me. Joey's gone solo and his music is far away from what Europe used to sound, his alot more softer as a soloartist.

After 12 years of a long break Europe is finally back in the road again as you problably have mensioned by now. This album is alot more heavier of what they used to sound back in the 80s, they use more guitarriffs. I heard on a intervew that this album is the best album they ever made, and i think i have to admit that they are right about that. In this album they use some inspiration from other modern bands like Audioslave and Velvet Revolver. But they still use a little bit inspirations from there old material. it still sounds like Europe.
But you have to repeat the album over and over again to understand that this is a very good Europe album. Because the first time you listen to it you may me shocked and ask yourself "Is this really Europe?". But after a couple of repeatings you hear that this is Europe.
Stay tuned for Europe's upcoming album coming out in october-november 2006.

I have read some negative reviews of "Start From the Dark".
Let me get one thing straight, if you are looking for something similar to their 80s material then you will be disappointed.
This is a new look Europe. It's either you love it or hate it.
People remember them from the 80s and unfortunatelly they compare the new album to the old stuff, which I don't believe is fair.
"Start From the Dark" is more of a project, it's darker and heavier than what we are used to. The guitars are heavy and John Norum is at his best. Seems the boys are trying to put in some Soundgarden sound, especially in "Song No. 12".
I'm a die hard Europe fan, ever since I've heard "The Final Countdown" for the first time back in 1986 as a 12 year old boy, but I am not disappointed with the new material. I do like it. Without a doubt I would take this album over "Prisoners In Paradise" and "Out of This World".
Most of the songs are quite good, I do enjoy listening to them and it is hard to choose which one is the best. My personal favourite is "Wake Up Call". This song simply kicks a$$.
In my opinion the weakest ones would be "Settle for Love", "Flames" and "Roll With You". All the songs except for the three mentioned are excellent. The only song that has a bit of their 80s sound is "Sucker", but despite this is still a good song overall.

I have seen the boys play live at Lee's Palace in Toronto and they rocked the place. The new material sounded excellent on stage. They were simply amazing. I only have a problem with John Leven on stage. He just stands there as if he were a pylon.
Except for that, excellent! And man, Ian is just amazing behind the drums.
However, I must agree about Joakim's vocals. He's not the same singer he used to be and he seems he can not hit the higher notes anymore.
Going back to "Star From the Dark". It is a good album and I can give it a solid 4 stars.

Yes I like the project and give it 4 stars. The album is dominated by guitar and vocals. I thought Joey (why doesn't he finally use his real name?) could have given more on this project. He sounds repressed and latent which fits the mood for many of the songs, but for crying out loud let it rip once in a while. The vocals take on a feeling of the Chile peppers dude ... californication and angles at times. Good album though. I have all the Europe albums and appreciate this one. It just wasn't what I expected, or hoped for.

Europe are back and with the most amazing album! This album just rocks! This is 'The Final Countdown' lineup of Joey Tempest, John Norum (my personal favorite guitarist!!), John Leven, Mic Michaeli, and Ian Haugland. They have given us an album that has some very hard rocking songs with quality song writing and awesome guitars. The sound is darker and heavier than their last couple of albums and it just works! 'Start From the Dark', 'Hero', 'Spirit of the Underdog', 'Got To Have Faith', and 'Flames' are just a few of my favorties and they feature great guitar solos and Joey's awesome vocals. The band is just so very tight and sound great. Like they never took time away. 'Song #12' shows a bit more of a different vibe being darker and very Audioslave-influenced. One of my favorites. 'Sucker' is just a great fun song with a great 'su-su-su Sucker for a guitar hero' chorus. Just great! This whole album is awesome. You will not be disappointed. Also, don't pay attention to the negative reviews here. Get this album!!
Europe is Back!!!!

Hey there rock-loving people! Europe is finally back, and though this is not a comeback awaited by the press or the industry, I have to say that is great for hard-rock fans.
This a great album, period. Don't expect classic Europe sound a la 80's. This is different, but it is still great. There are many hints to old sound, while at the same time the new twists prevent the album from sounding dated or being boring. The only low-point is that guitar work by Norum is not as amazing as one would have expected from this band. For that kind of guitar wizardry, check out Kee Marcello's Melon Demon Divine.
Long live rock!!!!

To anyone reading this,don't pay any attention to bad reviews this is classic Europe with an updated sound.Just listen to "Hero",This is one of the best ballads I have ever heard.Most of the ones who will give this album bad reviews are people who became fans after "The Final Countdown",nothing wrong with that because because Europe kicks ass with every album they make."The Final Countdown","Out of this world" and "Prisoners in Paradise" are all great albums no one should be without.Few people know that Europe had 2 albums out before "Countdown", "Europe" and "Wings of Tommorow"were a bit darker and heavier but still amazing albums nonetheless."Start from the Dark" is more reminicent of Europe's earlier work but still has the melodies that define Europe.So if you're a Europe fan buy this album and give it chance,You won't regret it.If you're not a Europe fan buy this album anyway and you'll become one....Trust me it's that good.The only thing that sucks about this album is the 13 years we had to wait to get it!! Far too long to be without a band I love.Welcome back Europe,Please don't let us wait so long for the next one. Shawn

Hero is awesome, stands out right away. This is not an album that jumps out at you right away, but after 4-5 times in the cd player, you're hooked. I was for sure. The album is better than 99% of all the other albums that are coming out these days- and that's b/c these guys have talent! Don't expect total 80s style, but do expect a great album. You can tell it's Europe, and I have to say it's nice that they didn't try to rehash their old songs or try to make their new songs sound totally like their old stuff.

This album rocks, everybody that's heard it (even those who wrote reviews on here) said you have to listen to it a few times before you really get it. It was good the first time I heard it, but now I think it's a great album!

It's not as cheesy and fluffy as most of their old stuff, which I love, but it's good stuff. Even those that hate Europe still can't deny they are great musicians!
I can only recommend buying this album.