You can trust Louder
Melodic rock fans salivated en masse when the Europe line-up that recorded The Final Countdown ended their sabbatical in 2003. And yet Joey Tempest and company challenged just about everyone’s expectations with the classy modern rock of 2004’s Start From The Dark.
Although Europe’s belief in the record was unwavering, response from cash registers was much less enthusiastic._ Secret Society_, the Swedish four-piece’s seventh album, picks up defiantly and bravely where they left off, its focus remaining on punchy tunes and John Norum’s nimble yet slamming, forceful guitar licks.
For all its quality, Star From The Dark contained some fillers. Oddly, Secret Society lacks its predecessor’s peaks but is probably more consistent and rewarding.

Dave Ling was a co-founder of Classic Rock magazine. His words have appeared in a variety of music publications, including RAW, Kerrang!, Metal Hammer, Prog, Rock Candy, Fireworks and Sounds. Dave’s life was shaped in 1974 through the purchase of a copy of Sweet’s album ‘Sweet Fanny Adams’, along with early gig experiences from Status Quo, Rush, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Yes and Queen. As a lifelong season ticket holder of Crystal Palace FC, he is completely incapable of uttering the word ‘Br***ton’.