Europe Drummer Ian Haugland Details Evolution of 'Come This Madness'

EURO drummer Ian Haugland has confirmed that the songwriting process for the band's upcoming album, "Come This Madness", has been significantly upgraded. Set for release on 25 September via Silver Lining Music / Hell & Back Recordings, the record marks the first studio output since 2017's "Walk The Earth". Haugland notes that the lengthy gap allowed the band to meticulously re-evaluate and refine a vast collection of ideas, ensuring the final arrangements are as polished as possible.

Haugland insists that while the new material maintains the signature melodic hooks and guitar solos of the 1980s, it leans heavily into the band's heavier roots. He cites the influence of 1970s hard rock mainstays such as Deep Purple, Rainbow, and Thin Lizzy, alongside the heavy riffing of Black Sabbath. The result is a cohesive sound where the older hits blend seamlessly with the more aggressive, modern material on stage.

We decided that we were not gonna become like a novelty act, just relying on the '80s stuff and the big hits.

Speaking of the band's trajectory, Haugland explained that since their 2004 resurgence, the group has deliberately avoided becoming a nostalgia act. The ambition has always been to let the music lead the way, creating a