Ten is back with a fantastic new album, Here Be Monsters, which was released on February 18, 2022, on Frontiers Music S.r.l. Yeah, there be a monster album here, ha, ha.
The band is made up of: Gary Hughes, on lead vocals; Dann Rosingana, on lead guitars; Steve Grocott, on lead guitars; John Halliwell, on rhythm guitars; Darrel Treece-Birch, on keyboards; Steve McKenna, on bass; with Markus Kullman, on drums.
This is one of the best AOR/Rock albums being released by Frontiers in this early part of 2022. Great vocalist in Gary Hughes. He is perfect. Clear, solid and his vocals are dynamic enough to embrace a sound and songs similar to Steve Hackett’s solo album rockers. Great cover art as well!
“Fearless”, is a fearless rocker that opens with cool guitar, keys, strings and atmospherics. A beautiful opening and powerful song to kick things off. Gary Hughes’ voice sounds a little like Steve Hackett, but the music is straight ahead rock n’ roll. The electric guitar soloing is stupendous.
“Chapter And Psalm”, is my earlier favorite song on the album. Imagine opening a song with lyrics that take you back to Procol Harum’s “Salty Dog”. (Especially, so soon, after the recent passing of Gary Brooker). This one hit emotional notes early. Then, that rhythm and melody I remember from “Perfect Tense”, from one of my favorite progressive rock bands from the UK; Kino. Yeah, this one is a definite keeper and on my early list of top songs of 2022.
“Hurricane”, opens with excellent lead electric guitar and atmospheric keys. This music, with Gary Hughes singing, and this music, sounds so well planned and produced it sounds like a solid chart leader similar to Journey, Kansas or Styx, at their height. This band has always sounded great, but this album is definitely a giant lead forward. After only three songs, I expect this album to be in my top ten at the end of the year.
By “Strangers On A Distant Shore”, I finally remembered who’s voice Gary Hughes’ reminded me of, beside Steve Hackett’s. Bob Catley, of Magnum, during the Vigilante/Wings of Heaven era. (That was my favorite era). No fillers here. Great lyrics and musicianship.
“The Dream That Fell To Earth”, is a cool song, opening with narration from Invaders from Mars. Is it love from a distant planet, or a woman that is just “out of this world wonderful”?
“The Miracle Of Life”, is one of the best songs on the album. The keyboards combined well with lead electric guitar at the opening, gets things off to a great start. A song about love, or as Gary sings, “It’s miracle of life I’m feeling. Metaphysical beyond our dreams. Biblical desire to mate”.
“Immaculate Friends”, opens with keys and electric guitar. Another happy song of a life well lived. Making the most of the life given, while you are young. Like it used to be. Enjoy life to the utmost!
“Anything You Want”, is a beautiful ballad and love song. Gary sings, “There was only you. The jewel in the crowded room”. When you start like that, you know it is gonna be great. Nice piano and guitar work. They even add a choir – like chorus to take this higher and over the top.
“Follow Me Into The Fire”, is another powerful ballad and couple song. The title is repeated as a spark for mutual engagement. Cool drilling electric guitars and just enough keys, drums, organ and bass.
“The Longest Time”, is another wonderful love song/ballad closer. Powerful keys and epic singing from Gary Hughes.
Nothing is missing on this epic AOR/Rocker. Go get this without reservation. Every song is memorable and unique. You will not tire of this album, from stem to stern. Get this album and enjoy every minute. Keep up the great work Ten. Yes, ten out of ten, for sure.
Tracklisting:
1. Fearless
2. Chapter And Psalm
3. Hurricane
4. Strangers On A Distant Shore
5. The Dream That Fell To Earth
6. The Miracle Of Life
7. Immaculate Friends
8. Anything You Want
9. Follow Me Into The Fire
10. The Longest Time
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