Ten started off in 1995, and their delivery of melodic hard rock with intriguing lyrical themes has won them fans across the globe. Their latest album Gothica is their thirteenth, and the first thing one notices about it, is the startling album cover, which invokes imagery seen in a medieval painting or the scene for a mystery movie. Fantastic to look at as the songs play.
The Grail is the opening song on the record, and with its Latin intro, crusader themed lyrics and anthemic verse and choruses alongside heavy riffage it is a brilliant opening track and one that truly makes the listener pay attention. Followed up by the swaggering riffage of Jekyll and Hyde, with its big choruses and ominous themes, two big songs to get the record going. Travellers begins with the tolling of a bell, and a synth background melody, and with soaring vocals, it ensures that the song carries weight and thoughtfulness.
A Man for All Seasons has a harpsichord intro backed by synth lines, before moving into moving drums and solid guitar work. Lyrically, the song appears to be about the reformation within England, and the dissolution of the monasteries and the chaos that brought to England. A stellar historical track. In My Dreams is a pulsating song that makes the head move and the foot tap. Wild King of Winter, inspired by A Song of Ice and Fire by George RR Martin, brings minor keys, moving off riffage and solid vocal lines to the core. A brilliant song. Paragon is a epic, slow and moving piano based track that makes the hair stand up on the back of the neck.
Welcome To The Freak Show appropriately starts with the sound of a fair, before moving into a swaggering, taunting, balls to the walls song with all its propensity and dialect, which makes it a definitive track. La Luna Dracula has a galloping rhythm, a shredding solo and a brilliant chorus that will definitely be a favourite of live audiences. Into Darkness is the final track, slow, heavy and thoughtful it is the perfect closer to a ripper of an album.
Gothica is a classic album, one that contains elements of history, fun and general rock that will make anyone enjoy it. It brings hooks and melodies and heavy riffs, a real classic rock album. A solid ten out of ten.