Album Review — Start from the Dark (2004) — Europe
Start from the Dark is the sixth studio album by Swedish rock band Europe, released on September 31, 2004 via Sanctuary Records. This album marked the band’s official comeback after a 13-year hiatus following their 1992 breakup.
With Start from the Dark, Europe reinvented their sound, moving away from the 1980s arena rock style toward a modern hard rock and heavy metal approach, featuring darker riffs, heavier guitar tones, and more aggressive production. The album demonstrates Europe’s desire to appeal to contemporary rock audiences while retaining their melodic roots.
πΆ Tracklist
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Got to Have Faith – 4:06
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Hero – 3:51
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Start from the Dark – 3:52
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Earthbound – 4:03
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Let the Children Play – 3:41
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Heroine – 4:28
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The Final Countdown 2004 (bonus in some editions) – 5:10
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Spirit of the Underdog – 3:55
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Wake Up Call – 4:21
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Wish It Would Rain – 3:56
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Sign of the Times – 4:09
Total length: ~45:40
Hit singles:
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Got to Have Faith – lead single with heavier riffs, showcasing the band’s modernized sound
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Hero – melodic yet hard-hitting track appealing to both old and new fans
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Start from the Dark – title track symbolizing the band’s rebirth
π§π€ Album Credits
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Artist: Europe
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Title: Start from the Dark
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Released: September 31, 2004
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Label: Sanctuary Records
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Producer: Kevin Elson & Europe
Band Members:
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Joey Tempest – vocals, keyboards
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John Norum – guitar
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John LevΓ©n – bass
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Ian Haugland – drums
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Mic Michaeli – keyboards
Additional Musicians:
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Modern hard rock production techniques included programming and layered guitar overdubs to achieve a contemporary sound.
πΈ Musical Style & Highlights
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Modern hard rock: The album emphasizes heavier guitar riffs, crunchier production, and darker tones, differentiating it from Europe’s 1980s arena rock sound.
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Melodic hooks: Despite the heavier approach, Europe retained their signature melodic sensibilities, particularly in choruses and vocal harmonies.
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Aggressive yet accessible: Tracks like Got to Have Faith and Hero showcase the band’s technical skill while appealing to modern rock audiences.
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Balanced songwriting: The album mixes high-energy rockers (Start from the Dark) with mid-tempo, introspective tracks (Wake Up Call, Wish It Would Rain).
Highlights include:
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Got to Have Faith – strong comeback single with immediate impact
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Start from the Dark – anthem-like, signaling the band’s new era
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Earthbound – heavy riff-driven track with soaring vocals
π Reception & Commercial Performance
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The album received generally positive reviews, praised for:
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A successful modern reinvention
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Tight performances by Joey Tempest and John Norum
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Maintaining melodic identity while appealing to contemporary rock fans
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Commercially, the album performed well in Sweden and Europe, marking a successful comeback, though it did not reach the global fame of 1980s releases.
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It solidified Europe’s return to active touring, with songs from the album featured prominently in live shows.
π Fun Facts & Trivia
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Reunion album: Start from the Dark was Europe’s first studio release after 13 years, featuring the classic lineup reunited.
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Modernized sound: The band aimed to distance themselves from the 1980s synth-heavy style, using heavier guitars, rawer production, and darker tones.
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Title symbolism: The album title reflects Europe’s rebirth in the new millennium after years of hiatus.
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Touring: Europe launched the Start from the Dark Tour, which included Europe, the US, and Japan, reintroducing the band to global audiences.
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John Norum’s return: After leaving during the 1980s, Norum’s guitar work was central to the album’s heavier, modern sound.
π‘ Did You Know?
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Got to Have Faith became a modern rock radio hit in Sweden, helping fans accept the band’s new direction.
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The album’s heavier riffs and production inspired Europe’s subsequent albums (Secret Society and Last Look at Eden), marking a long-term stylistic shift.
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The album cover features a dark, industrial aesthetic, reflecting the heavier and modern musical direction.
Conclusion
Start from the Dark represents a bold and successful comeback for Europe, proving that the band could adapt to the modern rock era while retaining their melodic and technical strengths. With standout tracks like Got to Have Faith, Start from the Dark, and Earthbound, the album reestablished Europe as a relevant force in hard rock, bridging their 1980s legacy with contemporary sounds.
It’s an essential listen for fans who want to experience Europe’s rebirth and see the band evolve with the times.