It's been two and half years since the release of the last Ten album, 'Far Beyond The World'. In the intervening time Ten mainman Gary Hughes has been far from idol, having written and released the two Once & Future King albums, whilst his cohorts worked on their own side projects. In reconvening Ten however there are a couple of major changes, guitarist Chris Francis makes his recording debut with the band and this time around Ten have released the new album via their own label (Intensity Records) rather than through the normal Frontiers/Now & Then stable.

Album opener 'Apparition' gets things off to a strong start with a gentle introduction courtesy of some Gregorian Monk chants and acoustic guitar before things kick off. For some reason this song reminds me of Iron Maiden circa the Seventh Son era with the layered keyboards, time changes and little guitar riffs. Both verse and chorus melodies work extremely well and Francis provides some very tasty fretwork in the solo. Second song in 'Dreamtide' starts with some Queen like keyboards and is a more laid back number than the opening track, the chorus, as is most often the case in Hughes penned numbers, once again providing the focus for the song. 

Third track in is 'Evermore'  opens with a celtic guitar riff a la Thin Lizzy and the melody continues the Irish lilt. The chorus contains some tight harmony vocals, but in the main it is the guitars that carry this song along. 'Sail Away' is the first of the albums ballads, built upon multiple keyboard tacks and beautiful vocals. The chorus proves to be one of the strongest and most memorable on the album and the guitar solo is played to perfection.

'Temple Of Love' kicks in with acapella harmony vocals and is arguably the most commercial tracks on show, however 'Even The Ghosts Cry' proves to be a more satisfying number. This is pure AOR at its best with a driving beat sitting on top of an acoustic base and harmony vocals washing all over the chorus.

'Strangers In The Night', proves to be the weakest song on the CD within its slower pace and slightly lower register melody, however 'Evil's On Top Of The World'  brings things back on track. Having written in the past for Bob Catley, it is not surprising that Hughes can pen a tune that draws upon classic Magnum for inspiration, especially in the guitar/keyboard arrangements.

'The One' is a more up tempo number punctuated by Hodson's keyboards. Again it is Hughes' ability to produce a catchy hook that makes the song. 'Lost Soul' is a more guitar driven track built upon a solid rhythm track, whilst the chorus melody has a real groove to it. 'Stay Awhile' is the second ballad on the record, although to my mind not as strong as 'Sail Away' it still is a worthy inclusion. Rounding out the album is 'Tearing My Heart Out' which kicks off with  simple guitar  reminiscent of 'Bringing On The Heartache,  before things get slightly 'grungy'. Raw vocals and a detuned staccato guitar riff mark the verse and even the chorus is not as polished as elsewhere on the record. For some reason this track brought to mind Load/Reload era Metallica, but try as I might I couldn't figure out which song..

All in all 'Return To Evermore' is a welcome and strong return from Ten, building upon past traditions and yet incorporating some interesting new elements.  Hughes proves once again that, in the hierarchy of the British rock scene, he has few peers.

Let us know your views on 'Return To Evermore'

Track List

Apparition
Dreamtide
Evermore
Sail Away
Temple of Love
Even The Ghosts Cry
Strangers In The Night
Evil's On Top In The World
The One
Lost Soul
Stay A While
Tearing My Heart Out

Line Up

Gary Hughes - Vocals
Chris Francis - Guitars
John Halliwell - Guitars
Paul Hodson - Keyboards
Steve McKenna - Bass
Greg Morgan - Drums