False starts, rumours of executive dissatisfaction, mounting suspense as EUROPEan epic number 5 is delayed yet again. Finally the 'countdown; has begun, the prisoners are about to be released, and I'm in paradise, having been in possession of an advanced copy for over a month. Believe me, Prisoners in Paradise is a Europe-an breakout of towering proportions.
Two things hit home instantly. Joey Tempest's vocals are tougher than ever before, blessed with a rough edge that complements the potent and expansive approach Europe have taken on this outing. And if you're expecting layer after layer of keys, think again Prisoners... is, in no uncertain terms guitarist Kee Marcello's tour de force. Naturally Mic Michaeli has his place, providing subtle touches and sound-swelling embellishments throughout, though the overriding emphasis is on guitars, be it eardrum-bashing power chords, shivering melodic passages, or searing sonic soloing. Kee Marcello's ever expanding and unmistakable style is as essential a part of the development Europe are exhibiting here as Beau Hill's perfectly pristine production.
Taking off with "All or Nothing" ('all' being the operative word), the quintet run the gamut of big, gut-thrusting ballads ("Cry For You), melancholy electric blues ("Homeland"), classic heavy rock (the QUEEN-esque title track), and intense, thought-provoking musical storms ("Seventh Sign"). In fact the band are at their best when Joey turns cerebral, with the instrumentation matching the depth and intensity of his occasional bursts of lyrical profundity. like "Seventh Sign," "Girl from Lebanon" closes its respective side (not to mention the album) with powerful, pulse-raising grandeur, and heartfelt sentiments.
At close to an hour in length (all this and VFM too) Prisoners in Paradise is the album destined to cement Europe's position as a mega status rock act. Prepare to lock yourself in paradise and throw away the key.
A-
A-
Lyn Guy
Riff Raff
October 1991
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