Europe release new single ‘The Cult of Ignorance’

Author Benedetta Baldin - 3.6.2026

Europe have released their new single, ‘The Cult of Ignorance’, the second track taken from their highly anticipated upcoming studio album, “Come This Madness”, due out on 25 September via Silver Lining Music.

Driven by a chorus that promises to be memorable and an anthemic refrain, ‘The Cult of Ignorance’ combines infectious light-heartedness with a message that resonates powerfully in today’s frenetic world, offering moments of reflection without losing its positive and engaging energy.

In addition to the band, the video accompanying the single features special appearances by numerous distinguished guests and friends of the band, including the renowned actress Malin Åkerman, former world number one tennis player and multiple Grand Slam champion Stefan Edberg, astronaut Christer Fuglesang, Howling Pelle (The Hives), Mikael Åkerfeldt and Fredrik Åkesson (Opeth), as well as E-Type, alongside many other prominent figures from the worlds of music, film, fashion, sport and science.

“I love this track! It’s a straight-up rock anthem, with lyrics that reflect the times we live in, but written with a certain irony,” says Joey Tempest, founding member and frontman of Europe. “Mic (keyboards) pitched the idea to me during the South American tour and I immediately thought it was brilliant! We finished it off together and it’s turned out to be a real banger! The title is inspired by an expression coined by the writer and biochemist Isaac Asimov. It reflects some of the negative trends emerging in today’s world, but with a deliberately light-hearted approach.

Watch/listen to ‘The Cult of Ignorance’ HERE – Video directed by Patric Ullaeus

Europe’s new studio album, “Come This Madness”, marks a powerful new chapter in the career of one of the longest-running and most beloved bands in rock history. Through tracks such as ‘One on One’, ‘The Cult of Ignorance’ and the title track ‘Come This Madness’, the band transforms emotions, truths and pure energy into an album that feels both deeply personal and capable of speaking to a universal audience.

Watch and listen to Europe’s previous single, ‘One on One’ – HERE, which was enthusiastically received by audiences and critics alike. The track is accompanied by a cinematic video featuring the extraordinary actor Peter Stormare (Fargo, The Big Lebowski, Minority Report, 8MM, Armageddon), also directed by Patric Ullaeus.

‘Come This Madness’ was recorded at RMV Studio, founded in Stockholm by Benny Andersson and Ludvig Andersson. The album features special guest appearances by Tobias Forge (Ghost) and Mikael Åkerfeldt (Opeth) on backing vocals and was produced by the acclaimed Tom Dalgety (Ghost, Rammstein, Pixies, The Cult, Opeth), who became a true creative force throughout the process: deeply involved in the writing and recording, he helped shape the sound of the album from the ground up. To bring the project to its final form and complete their artistic vision, the band turned to one of the most respected figures in the history of rock production: Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Van Halen, Metallica, The Cult, Loverboy), who was responsible for the final mix.

With “Come This Madness”, Europe have delivered an album destined to leave its mark, showcasing the band at the height of their artistic maturity as they tackle the realities of the contemporary world with conviction and creativity.

The album’s release will be supported by a packed concert schedule, including numerous festival appearances and a major tour celebrating the 40th anniversary of The Final Countdown. The tour kicks off on 30 September in Glasgow and promises to blend the legacy that has made the band immortal with the renewed energy that continues to drive them forward today.

2026 Dates:

  • 6 Jun – North Festival, Maia (PT)
  • 21 Jun – Graspop Metal Meeting, Dessel (BE)
  • 25 Jun – Rock Pod Kameňom Festival, Bela Nad Cirochou (SK) 
  • 28 Jun – Retro Trop C, Tilloloy (FR)
  • 5 Jul – Summer Festival Piazza Castello, Marostica (IT)
  • 7 Jul – Cavea-Auditorium Parco della Musica, Roma (IT)
  • 8 Jul – Arena Campo Marte, Brescia (IT)
  • 9 Jul – Villa Bertelli, Forte Dei Marmi (IT)
  • 25 Jul – Son Do Mar Festival, Meaño, Pontevedra (ES)
  • 30 Jul – Wacken Open Air, Wacken (DE)
  • 29 Aug – Stonedead Festival, Newark (GB)
  • 30 Sep – SEC Armadillo, Glasgow (GB)*
  • 2 Oct – Civic Hall, Wolverhampton (GB)*
  • 3 Oct – Eventim Apollo Hammersmith, London (GB)*
  • 5 Oct – Musis Arnhem, Arnhem (NL)*
  • 6 Oct – Olympia, Paris (FR)*
  • 8 Oct – Poble Espanyol, Barcelona (ES)*
  • 9 Oct – Bilbao Arena Mirabilla, Bilbao (ES)*
  • 10 Oct – La Cubierta, Madrid (ES)*
  • 12 Oct – Salle Métropole, Lausanne (CH)*
  • 13 Oct – Volkshaus, Zürich (CH)*
  • 14 Oct – Alcatraz, Milan (IT)*
  • 16 Oct – Liederhalle, Stuttgart (DE)*
  • 17 Oct – Gasometer, Wien (AT)*
  • 19 Oct – Admiralspalast Theater, Berlin (DE)*
  • 20 Oct – COS Torwar, Warszawa (PL)*
  • 22 Oct – Falkoner, Frederiksberg (DK)*
  • 23 Oct – Film Studios, Gothenburg (SE)*
  • 24 Oct – B-K, Stockholm (SE)*
  • 26 Oct – Sentrum Scene, Oslo (NO)*
  • 15 Nov – Malta Metal Weekend, St. Julians (MT)*
  • 21 Nov – Ostravar Aréna, Ostrava (CZ)*
  • 25 Nov – Aalto Hall @House of Culture, Helsinki (FI)*
  • 27 Nov – John Smith Rock Frozen Paviljonki, Jyväskylä (FI)*
  • 28 Nov – Unholy Winter Festival Joensuu Areena, Joensuu (FI)*

*The Final Countdown 40th Anniversary Tour

“Come This Madness” album artwork by Storm Studios (Pink FloydLed Zeppelin, and Muse).

“Come This Madness” track listing:

  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. Pre-orders can be placed here