Published: June 4, 2026 · 1:30 AM EDT
Joey Tempest and company present the second song from their upcoming studio album while preparing a major international tour celebrating four decades of ‘The Final Countdown’
EUROPE have unveiled “The Cult Of Ignorance”, the second song released from the band's upcoming studio album “Come This Madness”, scheduled for release on September 25, 2026 through Silver Lining Music.
Rockum previously covered the launch of the album campaign in EUROPE Announce 'Come This Madness' Album Featuring Tobias Forge and Mikael Åkerfeldt and Launch 'One On One' Video.
The new track follows “One On One” and arrives as the Swedish rock veterans prepare for an extensive international touring schedule that will include the The Final Countdown 40th Anniversary Tour, celebrating four decades since the release of one of the most recognizable albums of the 1980s.
Built around a memorable chorus and melodic hooks, “The Cult Of Ignorance” combines the band's classic arena rock approach with lyrical themes inspired by contemporary society.
According to vocalist Joey Tempest, the song originated from an idea presented by keyboardist Mic Michaeli during a South American tour. Tempest later developed the concept and lyrics, drawing inspiration from a phrase associated with author and biochemist Isaac Asimov.
While addressing social tendencies that Tempest finds concerning, the song intentionally maintains a lighter tone rather than approaching the subject from a purely confrontational perspective.
The accompanying video features appearances from several notable Swedish personalities, including actress Malin Åkerman, former tennis world number one Stefan Edberg, astronaut Christer Fuglesang, Pelle Almqvist of The Hives, and Mikael Åkerfeldt and Fredrik Åkesson of Opeth.
Recorded at RMV Studio in Stockholm, “Come This Madness” was produced by Tom Dalgety, whose previous work includes albums by Ghost, Rammstein, Pixies, Opeth, and The Cult.
The album also features guest appearances from Tobias Forge of Ghost and Mikael Åkerfeldt of Opeth on backing vocals.
Mixing duties were handled by veteran engineer Mike Fraser, known for his work with AC/DC, Van Halen, Metallica, The Cult, and Loverboy.
Artwork for the album was created by Storm Studios, whose portfolio includes projects for Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Muse.
COME THIS MADNESS TRACKLIST
1. One On One
2. The Cult Of Ignorance
3. Come This Madness
4. This Time Of Year
5. In A Different World
6. Scandinavian Eyes
7. Takin' It Back
8. In The Absence Of Grace
9. The Angels Must Have Flown
10. The Devil's Back
11. Nothing Can Follow This
EUROPE LIVE 2026
FESTIVALS
June 6 — Maia, Portugal — North Festival
June 21 — Dessel, Belgium — Graspop Metal Meeting
June 25 — Belá nad Cirochou, Slovakia — Rock Pod Kame?om Festival
June 28 — Tilloloy, France — Retro Trop C
July 5 — Marostica, Italy — Summer Festival Piazza Castello
July 7 — Rome, Italy — Cavea Auditorium Parco della Musica
July 8 — Brescia, Italy — Arena Campo Marte
July 9 — Forte dei Marmi, Italy — Villa Bertelli
July 25 — Meaño, Spain — Son Do Mar Festival
July 30 — Wacken, Germany — Wacken Open Air
August 29 — Newark, England — Stonedead Festival
THE FINAL COUNTDOWN 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
September 30 — Glasgow, Scotland — SEC Armadillo
October 2 — Wolverhampton, England — Civic Hall
October 3 — London, England — Eventim Apollo Hammersmith
October 5 — Arnhem, Netherlands — Musis Arnhem
October 6 — Paris, France — Olympia
October 8 — Barcelona, Spain — Poble Espanyol
October 9 — Bilbao, Spain — Bilbao Arena Miribilla
October 10 — Madrid, Spain — La Cubierta
October 12 — Lausanne, Switzerland — Salle Métropole
October 13 — Zürich, Switzerland — Volkshaus
October 14 — Milan, Italy — Alcatraz
October 16 — Stuttgart, Germany — Liederhalle
October 17 — Vienna, Austria — Gasometer
October 19 — Berlin, Germany — Admiralspalast Theater
October 20 — Warsaw, Poland — COS Torwar
October 22 — Frederiksberg, Denmark — Falkoner
October 23 — Gothenburg, Sweden — Film Studios
October 24 — Stockholm, Sweden — B-K
October 26 — Oslo, Norway — Sentrum Scene
November 15 — St. Julian's, Malta — Malta Metal Weekend
November 21 — Ostrava, Czech Republic — Ostravar Aréna
November 25 — Helsinki, Finland — Aalto Hall at House of Culture
November 27 — Jyväskylä, Finland — John Smith Rock Frozen Paviljonki
November 28 — Joensuu, Finland — Unholy Winter Festival
EUROPE ARE
Joey Tempest — Lead Vocals
John Norum — Guitar
John Levén — Bass
Mic Michaeli — Keyboards
Ian Haugland — Drums
Formed in Sweden in 1979, Europe became one of the defining rock bands of the 1980s through albums such as “The Final Countdown,” “Out Of This World,” and “Prisoners In Paradise.” Since returning to active recording and touring in the 2000s, the band has continued releasing new material while maintaining a balance between its classic catalog and contemporary songwriting.
With “The Cult Of Ignorance,” Europe continue introducing the musical direction of “Come This Madness” while preparing one of the most significant touring cycles of their recent career. The album arrives as the band approaches the fortieth anniversary of “The Final Countdown,” connecting a celebrated chapter of their history with a new collection of songs.
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
Watch the official video for “The Cult Of Ignorance” below.
