On June 7th of this year Europe took to the stage at their native country's famous Sweden Rock festival to perform a special 30th anniversary show. Now, earMusic has released the entire show as a 2CD audio release (along with a bonus feature-laden DVD and Blu-ray).

Released at the tail end of October yet sent to us for review after it went to retail (hence the timing of this article) 'Live At Sweden Rock' is melodic rock manna from heaven for long-term fans of the band; the festival appearance housing twenty-seven songs (a drum solo nudging this to the 28 track mark) that finds the perfect balance between Europe's more famous 'hits' and the band's heavier material, newer material rubbing shoulders with rarer cuts from the back catalogue.

Opening with 'Riches To Rags' this show hits almost every mark, from bluesy heavy hitters to fan-favourite singles, taking in an acoustic section (featuring 'Drink And A Smile' and 'Open Your Heart'), and a couple of 'special guest' appearances. 'Live At Sweden Rock' is a fine celebration of a band finally getting the respect it deserves.


Personnel
Line Up: Joey Tempest - Vocals
John Norum - Guitar
Mic Michaeli - Keyboards
John Leven - Bass
Ian Haugland - Drums


Tracklist
CD - 1
1. Riches to rags 4:02
2. Firebox 4:00
3. Not supposed to sing the blues 5:27
4. Scream of anger 4:35
5. Superstitious 5:58
6. No stone unturned 5:46
7. New love in town 3:43
8. In the future to come 5:44
9. Paradize bay 4:21
10. Girl from Lebanon 5:50
11. Prisoners in paradise 4:43
12. Always the pretenders 4:38
13. Drink and a smile 2:49
14. Open your heart 3:53
15. Love is not the enemy 4:33
16. Sign of the times 4:35

CD - 2
1. Start from the dark 4:30
2. Wings of tomorrow 4:46
3. Carrie 5:06
4. Jailbreak feat. Scott Gorham 4:58
5. Seven doors hotel 5:22
6. Drum solo 5:02
7. The beast 3:22
8. Let the good times rock 5:24
9. Lights out feat. Michael Schenker 5:09
10. Rock at the night 6:13
11. Last look at Eden 4:37
12. The final countdown 6:24