  
Rocktopia Records
TEN has never been a pirate metal band but there´s a first for everything. Ten celebrated 20 years in the business short while back. Starting out almost by chance as the third solo album of main man Gary Hughes, an early incarnation included both guitarist Vinny Burns and drummer Greg Morgan (ex. DARE). Their first release was “X” in 1996, meaning that 2015 will be a reason for celebrating once again. Guitarist John Halliwell came aboard as touring guitarist at the time, as well as keyboard player Ged Rylands. In 1997 bassist Steve McKenna joined, both of them are still in the band. Otherwise the band is made up of members recruited since 2011; guitarists Dann Rosingana and Steve Grocott, keyboard player Darrel Treece-Birch and drummer Max Yates. Yes, the band is now a seven piece, which has been a boost!
At first I didn´t get to grips with this album. Pirate metal I thought... Because in spite of the cover this is not a one-dimensional pirate album. There is more than meets the eye. The opening is rather laidback but from the sweet ballad “This Love” onwards things are happening. I especially want to mention “The Valley of the Kings” and “Revolution” as songs that not many bands will match in 2015. They feel inspired, yet “Revolution” is aching to MAGNUM (who have not been inspired lately). They also squeeze in a heavier track like “Angel of Darkness”, perhaps to show that they can leave maturity and rock out at times? Unfortunately the opening intro “Buccaneers” and the closing drowsiness of “We Can Be as One” are the letdowns, which may shake off some fans. But look beyond that and you will find yet another album that helps build the legend of TEN.
Track List
Buccaneers
Tell me What to Do
Aquiesce
This Love
The Dragon and Saint George
Intensify
Karnak
The Valley of the Kings
Revolution
Angel of Darkness
The Last Pretender
We Can Be as One (European Bonus)
www.rocktopiarecords.com www.tenofficial.com
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