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"Logical continuation of "War Of Kings", "Walk The Earth" loses in coherence what it gains in variety, finally revealing itself of a great richness."
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4/5
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With "War Of Kings" (2015), Europe plunged into the 70s, to the great displeasure of the fans of the FM-orientated period. Two years later, the success having been there, the Swedes are back with a new offering that seems to want to follow the path cleared by its predecessor. Again produced by Dave Cobb who seems to become the sixth member of the band since he also participates in the composition of several titles, "Walk The Earth" was recorded in the mythical Abbey Road studios.
The eponymous title opens the hostilities without ambiguities with false tunes of 'Kashmir' by Led Zeppelin. Dark and heavy mid-tempo with a poignant chorus and powerful backing vocals, it picks up where "War Of Kings" left off two years earlier. Close to Deep Purple, 'The Siege' drives the nail with its hammered bass and oriental tones, the pair Norum / Michaeli increasingly reminiscent of the legendary duo Blackmore / Lord. But where the previous opus showed a strong coherence, "Walk The Earth" does not hesitate to vary the pleasures without losing its main theme, which finally turns out to be twofold. For if the 70's and the tributes paid to the legends of that time are a first common thread, Europe also launches into a form of concept by devoting several titles to the theme of democracy.
In the category of references, Deep Purple is without a doubt, and once again, the formation to which the winks are the most numerous. Among them, we will retain the fast 'GTO' with accents of 'Burn' and on which Joey Tempest does not hesitate to go up to a few highs as Ian Gillan could do in his great era, all reinforced by the tonic and powerful strike of Ian Haughland and the keyboards of Mic Michaeli. More surprising, although partially announced by the cover, the tribute to Pink Floyd is done through the ballad 'Pictures' with its clear piano, its (still) luminous solo and its masterful rise in intensity. Note that the lyrics are the continuation of those of 'The Final Countdown', which reinforces the spatial approach of this title.
Losing in coherence what it gains in variety, this opus is of such a richness that it is impossible to quote each title, even if it would be a pity not to speak about the heavy and worrying 'Wolves', of not less heavy 'Haze' with its surprising drum solo, or of the epic final of 'Turn To Dust' reminding that it is necessary to benefit from the life since we are all called to return to dust. Continuing to dig the furrow opened by 'War Of Kings', this 'Walk The Earth' manages to stand out and offer its share of surprises, which is no small feat. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. Walk The Earth - 4:15
02. The Siege - 4:00
03. Kingdom United - 2:51
04. Pictures - 4:48
05. Election Day - 4:06
06. Wolves - 3:55
07. Gto - 3:29
08. Haze - 3:49
09. Whenever You’re Ready - 2:51
10. Turn To Dust - 6:50
LINEUP:
Ian Haugland: Batterie
Joey Tempest: Chant
John Levén: Basse
John Norum: Guitares
Mic Michaeli: Claviers
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(0) MIND(S) FROM OUR READERS
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(1) COMMENT(S)
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READERS
4/5 (1 view(s))
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STAFF:
4/5 (3 view(s))
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