Friday, June 16, 2017

CD REVIEW: GOTHICA by Ten




GOTHICA by Ten
(Frontier Records)

When it comes to melodic hard rock, UK's TEN are legends in my book. Primarily because of the musical genius of the band's leader, Gary Hughes. The latest chapter of this melodic juggernaut comes to us in the form of, 'Gothica'. Along side Gary Hughes, the band is comprised of the triple guitar attack of, Dann Rosingana, Steve Grocott,John Halliwell. Steve McKenna on bass, Darrel Treece-Birch on keyboards and Max Yates on drums with additional backing vocals by Karen Fell. Based from the title and the amazing cover art by Stan W. Decker, I had a feeling that this album would have a much darker vibe, musically. Where does one draw inspiration from a dark theme? This is where the musical brilliance of Gary Hughes comes into play. His vision of embracing as it always does, covers history, romance and erotic horror, through his masterful way with words, vividly comes alive.  Once, "The Grail" explodes out your speakers, your senses are transported to the world of the supernatural. A world of, elaborate spells, evoking embers that spark the imagination. Once again, big production, big sound and some real epic tracks such as "Jekyll And Hyde", "The Wild King Of Winter", "Welcome To The Freak Show", the powerful, "Paragon", "La Luna Dra-Cu-La" and "Into Darkness". Overall, TEN have produced another great piece of epic music. One of the most under rated bands in the UK and the rest of the world, despite producing great melodic rock albums over the years.
 Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

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