Europe - War of Kings (2015) | Album Review, Fun Facts & Trivia

Europe - War of Kings (2015)

Album Review — War of Kings (2015) — Europe

War of Kings is the tenth studio album by Swedish rock band Europe, released on March 2, 2015, via Gain Music / UDR Music. This album sees Europe fully embracing a classic hard rock and 1970s-inspired sound, blending bluesy riffs, melodic hooks, and arena-ready energy.

Following the heavier, blues-infused style of Bag of Bones (2012), War of Kings leans into a more melodic, retro rock approach, drawing comparisons to Deep Purple, Whitesnake, and early Led Zeppelin, while keeping the distinctive Europe identity.

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🎶 Tracklist

1. War of Kings – 5:05

2. Hole in My Pocket – 3:47

3. Praise You – 4:28

4. The Second Day – 4:50

5. Firebox – 3:55 (remastered version from Bag of Bones)

6. Nothin’ to Ya – 3:40 (remastered from previous sessions)

7. Children of the Mind – 4:15

8. California 405 – 4:20

9. Angels (With Broken Hearts) – 4:12

10. Days of Rock ‘n’ Roll – 4:50

Total length: ~42:22

Hit singles:

• War of Kings – title track and lead single, anthem-like hard rock with soaring chorus

• Days of Rock ‘n’ Roll – energetic, arena-ready track

• Hole in My Pocket – melodic, hook-driven song

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🧑‍🎤 Album Credits

• Artist: Europe

• Title: War of Kings

• Released: March 2, 2015

• Label: Gain Music / UDR Music

• Producer: Dave Cobb

Band Members:

• Joey Tempest – vocals, keyboards

• John Norum – guitar

• John Levén – bass

• Ian Haugland – drums

• Mic Michaeli – keyboards

Additional Musicians:

• Minimal additional instrumentation; the album focuses on guitar-driven rock, solid rhythm section, and vocal harmonies.

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🎸 Musical Style & Highlights

War of Kings blends:

• Classic hard rock: Heavy bluesy riffs, melodic hooks, and soaring choruses dominate the album.

• Retro influences: Europe channels 70s rock bands while updating arrangements for modern production.

• Arena rock energy: Tracks like Days of Rock ‘n’ Roll and War of Kings are designed for live performance impact.

• Guitar work: John Norum delivers technical solos and melodic phrasing, maintaining the band’s signature guitar-driven sound.

Standout tracks include:

• War of Kings – epic opener with anthemic chorus and retro rock vibes

• Days of Rock ‘n’ Roll – energetic, crowd-pleasing track

• Hole in My Pocket – catchy melodic rock song with classic Europe feel

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📈 Reception & Commercial Performance

• The album received positive reviews, praised for:

  • Returning to classic melodic hard rock roots

  • Strong musicianship and songwriting

  • John Norum’s expressive guitar work

• War of Kings charted in Sweden, Germany, Finland, and other European countries, reasserting Europe’s prominent position in the rock scene.

• The album also supported the Europe World Tour 2015, featuring tracks from the album alongside classics from The Final Countdown era.

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🎉 Fun Facts & Trivia

• Title inspiration: Joey Tempest explained that War of Kings reflects themes of ambition, personal struggle, and triumph, fitting Europe’s arena rock ethos.

• Return to classic rock: The album draws heavily from 70s melodic hard rock, marking a stylistic shift from the heavier Bag of Bones.

• Collaborative songwriting: Most tracks were co-written by Joey Tempest and the band, ensuring a cohesive Europe identity.

• Touring impact: Songs like War of Kings and Days of Rock ‘n’ Roll became staples in Europe’s live shows, energizing audiences worldwide.

• Production: Produced by Dave Cobb, known for working with classic rock and Americana artists, giving the album a raw yet polished feel.

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💡 Did You Know?

• War of Kings showcases Europe’s blend of modern and classic rock, bridging their 80s arena rock legacy with 70s-inspired riffs.

• John Norum cited Jimmy Page and Ritchie Blackmore as inspirations for his guitar work on this album.

• The album was Europe’s most retro-oriented record since their early 1980s releases, with less reliance on keyboards and more focus on guitar riffs.

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Conclusion

War of Kings represents Europe’s mature, confident embrace of classic hard rock, combining blues-infused riffs, melodic hooks, and arena-ready energy. With standout tracks like War of Kings, Days of Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Hole in My Pocket, the album proves that Europe can honor their legacy while producing fresh, powerful rock music in the 2010s.

It is an essential listen for fans of classic melodic hard rock, demonstrating Europe’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots.

Europe Full Discography

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