Ten's first album 'X' was released in May 1996 and was warmly acclaimed by the fans and the press especially in the UK and Japan, where they were outselling huge rock bands, reaching sales of 100,000 records only during the first weeks of release. With the songs already written, the band returned to the studio in order to finish their second album. 'The Name Of The Rose' was released in September of the same year (1996) and was even more successful than 'X', gaining enthusiastic reviews from the critics. The title track was also voted "Song Of The Year" by the readers of BURRN! magazine in Japan and the band voted "Brightest Hope".Ten's popularity in Europe increased when the band signed to major label Mercury Records in Japan and Frontiers in Europe for the release of their fourth studio album, 'Spellbound'. The album was released in April 1999, was produced by Rafe McKenna and was one of the most successful Ten albums in Europe. 'Spellbound' was also the first Ten album for which famous fantasy artist Luis Royo designed the cover.In 1999, the band returned to the studio in order to begin the recordings of their next album. 'Babylon', which was released in August 2000 and featured keyboard player Don Airey (Deep Purple) and once again, proved to be another successful release for Ten and Gary Hughes, even entering the German Rock Album Charts.Soon after, the band returned to the studio to record the follow-up album to Babylon, named 'Far Beyond The World'. The recordings took place in Hannover, Germany, with Tommy Newton behind the mixing desk and ex-Hard Rain keyboard player Paul Hodson taking the place of Don Airey. In December 2001, Ten released 'Far Beyond the World' but just before the promotion of the new album had begun, guitarist Vinny Burns (Dare/Asia) announced his departure from the band, citing creative differences.After several albums and line-up changes, the band signed to the newly formed Rocktopia Records in 2013, and are recording back to back albums once more as they did back when they burst onto the scene all those years ago. The first of these is titled 'ALBION', which will be released worldwide on the 21st of November through Rocktopia Records and features stunning original artwork from Italian maestro Gaetano De Falco.For years Gary Hughes has toyed with the idea of bringing even more power and width into the TEN live sound. To this end, TEN are proud to announce the arrival of two new members in the shape of guitar players Dann Rosingana and Steve Grocott. Gary comments, "The arrival of Dann and Steve will enable the band to play more of the layers in Ten's studio sound live on stage."Beginning with their October UK appearance at Firefest, Ten will emerge as a new look seven-piece, for the first time featuring the triple guitar attack that will bring a new dimension to the established melodic giants.
G**H
Another great album by Ten
Another great album by Ten, probably a bit more consistent than the last couple of releases, I did enjoy them a lot, but i'd say that since making a bit of a comeback with Stormwarning, they sound really confident all over again, just one great track after another. The CD has had several plays and that says a lot for it. A good album is one which you always return to, and it's never far from the CD player. Superb British melodic rock they way it should be played, you don't hear many bands like this these days. Kind of takes you back to the days of Joe Lynn Turner era Rainbow, Whitesnake, UFO, Thin Lizzy, Magnum etc. Very highly recommended.
M**S
Born in Albion
Excellent new CD from Ten that touches some familiar bases. The sound is reminiscent of Far Beyond the World, with a chunky production from Dennis Ward (they should keep using that guy). Keeping the number of tracks pegged back to 10 is also a good idea as the last CD Heresy & Creed, although longer suffered from a few weaker songs. Not so with Albion, its a pretty consistent album like Stormwarning.As with all Ten CDs there's a mix of AOR and storytelling songs touching on Celtic themes (Albion Born) familiar from previous albums. A Smuggler's Tale neatly reprises Ten Fathoms Deep from The Robe all those years ago.Nothing changes in the Ten world, except the guitarists! As long as Gary Hughes is writing songs as good as these I don't care.
N**N
This album is better than Isle De Muerta which has the best song ...
This album is better than Isle De Muerta which has the best song of the two ( The Dragon And Saint George ) in my opinion. Gary Hughes who is the main driving force of the band seems to have so much talent for one person, but you can't ignore the rest of the band who deliver the songs with precision, feel and power. Great recording.
C**2
I really like what I've heard from this band
I really like what I've heard from this band, Only found out about them over the last few years but very impressed. Not sure if I could compare them to any band I know, It's rock music, possibly AOR but if you like well played guitar based music with good vocals and songs that stick in your head this is well worth a listen.
A**R
... than Gary Hughes and his band have produced another great piece of music
What can you say about this album other than Gary Hughes and his band have produced another great piece of music. One of the most under rated bands in the UK despite producing great melodic rock albums over the years.Keep them coming Gary.
M**.
A must-buy for any fan of Ten or Gary Hughes
In my humble opinion, this is without a doubt THE best album Ten (or indeed Hughes in general) have recorded since the hiatus ended which, with incredible releases like Heresy & Creed is no small feat. I feel we are witnessing a second youth for Gary and the band!
N**Y
Another great release by these guys
Another great release by these guys. Very underrated group who should have received a lot more media exposure and risen to the top of their category a long time ago. A great deal of thought goes into every album, both by way of lyrics and musical muscle. Can't wait for the next album!!
M**1
OK , but disappointing !!
ordered on reputation/reviews as no samples to listen to and no autorip to listen to before despatch.Disappointed with lyrics and vocals to dramatic, a move away from stunning Stormwarning and Heresy and Creed, although instrumental quality is still there. Returned with regret.
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