EUROPE are back with "The Cult Of Ignorance," the second single from their upcoming studio album "Come This Madness," set for release on September 25 via Silver Lining Music. The track arrives with an official music video that has already generated strong buzz online.
Frontman Joey Tempest revealed the song's conceptual roots: "The title was inspired by a phrase coined by author and biochemist Isaac Asimov. It reflects some of the negative tendencies emerging in our world today, though it is written in a slightly light-hearted tone." The music was initiated by keyboardist Mic Michaeli while the band was touring South America, and completed collaboratively by the full group.
The accompanying video boasts an impressive roster of cameos — actress Malin Åkerman, tennis legend Stefan Edberg, Swedish astronaut Christer Fuglesang, and members of THE HIVES and OPETH all appear, alongside figures from film, fashion, sports, and science.
"Come This Madness" was recorded at RMV Studio in Stockholm and produced by Tom Dalgety, whose credits include GHOST and PARKWAY DRIVE. The album was mixed by Mike Fraser, known for his work with METALLICA and AC/DC. It features guest appearances from Tobias Forge of GHOST and Mikael Åkerfeldt of OPETH — a pairing that signals EUROPE is pushing into darker and heavier territory without abandoning their signature melodic punch.
The first single, "One On One," premiered in late April with a video starring actor Peter Stormare, directed by Patric Ullaeus.
Following the album, EUROPE will launch "The Final Countdown 40th Anniversary Tour" on September 30 in Glasgow, celebrating four decades of their signature anthem.
Full tracklist — "Come This Madness":
- One On One
- The Cult Of Ignorance
- Come This Madness
- This Time Of Year
- In A Different World
- Scandinavian Eyes
- Takin' It Back
- In The Absence Of Grace
- The Angels Must Have Flown
- The Devil's Back
- Nothing Can Follow This