"SWEDISH COUNTDOWN," which knocked out all EUROPE fans with its amazing sound immediately after its release at the end of 2012, is now being released as a long-awaited two-disc set! While "FINAL COUNTDOWN" released in 1986 was a huge hit worldwide, the live performance held in Gävle, Sweden on October 9th of the same year was released on a disc from an ultra-high quality audience master comparable to a soundboard recording. This is a definitive album that not only EUROPE fans but all hard rock/heavy metal enthusiasts of this era should listen to! EUROPE made their major debut in 1983 and received high praise not only in their native Sweden but also in Japan for their beautiful melodies and sophisticated musicality. Their second album "WINGS OF TOMORROW" in 1984 further improved their sound. They firmly established their position as pioneers of so-called "Nordic metal". However, when it comes to them, it's "THE FINAL COUNTDOWN" from 1986 that is the most famous. This work sold 6.5 million copies and became a huge hit worldwide. The impressive opening of the title song is recognized as background music of the era even by people who don't usually listen to rock music. However, this work was the band's last work in the '80s era of John Norum. It was a reaction to the band's musicality, which had previously been characterized by a somewhat dark lyricism in its sophisticated melodies, suddenly becoming pop and major. For this reason, the recordings of the Japanese and European tours accompanying "THE FINAL COUNTDOWN", which contain the band's performances while John was in the band, are very important. Of those important 1986 live performances, the Swedish tour in October is particularly special. This recording is a live performance in the band's home country, and the last tour with John in the '80s, recorded with the highest quality! The audience source recording of this Gävle performance was so completely special that it was said at the time of the previous release that "this is the best sound even during the time of John Norum's enrollment." In addition to the high stability, the sound image that captures the musical tones of each part in a well-balanced way allows you to enjoy a better sound than a poor sound board. This time, by further polishing this already excellent master, the quality has been upgraded to several levels higher! The sound range that was previously thought to be excessive has been adjusted, and the partial roughness of the sound seen in the first half has been repaired as much as possible. In addition to the highest level of visibility and clarity, the overwhelming direct feeling will not fail to fascinate any listener! The set list is almost the same as the one from the September Japan tour. The composition of all the songs from "THE FINAL COUNTDOWN", half from the 1st and half from the 2nd, is truly the best selection of early EUROPE. The whole live performance is worth listening to, from the beginning of the opening "The Final Countdown" to the ending! Joey Tempest's vocals sound like they are piercing through "Wings Of Tomorrow", "Danger On The Track", and even "Heart Of Stone". And above all, John Norum's guitar is amazing! In every song, the clear and realistic sound makes the listener feel as if they are listening to the fine details of the playing! His guitar playing, which he had decided to leave the band, is so powerful that it makes you feel his determination to "not leave anything unfinished in the band." Everyone will be captivated by the guitar solos in "Boyazont" and "Aphasia," as well as the storm-like playing in the second half. Another point not to be missed is Ian Hoagland's drum solo, which continues from "On The Loose." The solo part in the second half, featuring Mozart's "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik," is as exciting as Cozy Powell's solo! After "Time Has Come" and "Dreamer" at the beginning of disc 2, the music develops at a furious pace. No one can take their ears off the medley of the band's early hits, such as "In The Future To Come," "The King Will Return," and "Paradize Bay." The climax leading to the masterpiece "Seven Doors Hotel" is a dramatic part that will bring tears to the eyes of all Nordic metal fans! The last song is "Dance The Night Away / The Final Countdown", which brings the 90-minute live performance to a moving close! EUROPE's live recording from the same period, the Stockholm performance that took place two days after this Gävle performance, was released as "THE KING WILL RETURN" (Shades). This is also a great recording, but the overwhelming sound of this work surpasses even this masterpiece! This work is a permanent preservation edition that captures an era of heavy metal in the mid-'80s with the finest sound and realism. Live at Gavlerinken, Gavle, Sweden 9th October 1986 TRULY PERFECT SOUND(UPGRADE) Disc 1 (46:24) 1. Intro. 2. The Final Countdown 3. Wings Of Tomorrow 4. Danger On The Track 5. Heart Of Stone 6. Ninja 7. Carrie 8. Boyazont 9. Aphasia 10. On The Loose 11. Drum Solo 1 2. Cherokee Disc 2 (44:10) 1. Time Has Come 2. Dreamer 3. Love Chaser 4. Open Your Heart 5. Rock The Night 6. Stormwind 7. In The Future To Come 8. The King Will Return 9. Paradize Bay 10. Seven Doors Hotel 11. Dance The Night Away 12. The Final Countdown Joey Tempest - Vocals John Norum - Guitars John Leven - Bass Mic Michaeli – Keyboards Ian Haugland – Drums
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