Published: September 2, 2026 · 2:59 AM EDT
Come This Madness arrives September 25 with Tom Dalgety producing and Mike Fraser mixing as Europe prepare for The Final Countdown 40th Anniversary Tour
Europe have released “Scandinavian Eyes,” the latest single from their forthcoming studio album Come This Madness, due September 25 through Silver Lining Music.
Built around a driving guitar riff and a broad melodic chorus, the song arrives with a performance video directed by Patric Ullaeus, continuing the visual collaboration behind Europe’s recent singles from the album.
For frontman Joey Tempest, “Scandinavian Eyes” has already become one of the standout tracks from Europe’s current era.
“This driving riff, orchestral magic, vocal and guitar melodies make this one of my favourite Europe songs in a long time!” Tempest said, describing its lyrics as dealing with crossing the line between good and “not so good.”
The larger story surrounding “Scandinavian Eyes” extends well beyond the single itself. Come This Madness was recorded at RMV Studio in Stockholm, the recording facility founded by Benny Andersson and Ludvig Andersson, and features two notable Swedish guests: Ghost leader Tobias Forge and Opeth frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt, both contributing backing vocals to the album.
Rockum first documented those collaborations in April when Europe officially announced the album and released “One on One”:
Production was handled by Tom Dalgety, whose credits include Ghost, Rammstein, Pixies, The Cult and Opeth.
Europe then brought in Mike Fraser to mix the record. Fraser’s extensive rock résumé includes work associated with AC/DC, Van Halen, Metallica, The Cult and Loverboy.
“Scandinavian Eyes” follows previously released tracks “One on One” and “The Cult of Ignorance.” Their videos were also directed by Patric Ullaeus.
In June, Rockum covered “The Cult of Ignorance” as the album campaign moved toward both the September release and the upcoming 40th anniversary celebrations for The Final Countdown:
That gives “Scandinavian Eyes” another place in the chronology of Come This Madness rather than treating each single as an isolated release.
The new album arrives only days before Europe launch The Final Countdown 40th Anniversary Tour on September 30 in Glasgow.
The itinerary runs through the United Kingdom and Europe during the fall before continuing with dates in Japan in January 2027. Several shows in Wolverhampton, Arnhem, Paris, Stuttgart, Vienna, Berlin, Gothenburg, Stockholm and Oslo were already listed as sold out.
The tour marks four decades since The Final Countdown, the 1986 album that became Europe’s defining commercial breakthrough, while Come This Madness documents where the band stands creatively in 2026.
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
Come This Madness will be available on vinyl, CD and digital formats.
The album artwork was created by Storm Studios, whose work has previously been associated with Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Muse.
EUROPE 2026 LINEUP
Joey Tempest - Lead Vocals
John Norum - Guitars
John Levén - Bass
Mic Michaeli - Keyboards
Ian Haugland - Drums
With “Scandinavian Eyes,” Europe continue a Come This Madness campaign that Rockum has followed from the original album announcement through “One on One,” “The Cult of Ignorance” and now the latest single.
The album arrives September 25 with Tobias Forge and Mikael Åkerfeldt among its guests, Tom Dalgety behind the production and Mike Fraser handling the mix, just days before Europe turn their attention to four decades of The Final Countdown.
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
IMAGE CREDIT: AndyFord
Watch Europe’s official video for “Scandinavian Eyes” below:
