The sixteenth studio album from Ten – Something Wicked This Way Comes – is another slab of what Ten do best. Classy melodic rock of the highest order with that familiar symphonic/progressive edge to it all.
Main man Gary Hughes plays to his (and the band’s) strengths with his always on point song writing ideally suiting his smooth vocal style. Also with the excellent guitar duo of Dann Rosingana and Steve Grocott remaining from previous albums there are plenty of tight riffs and solo fretwork to enjoy throughout.
Something Wicked This Way Comes is a bit of a slow-burner with hidden complexities not apparent immediately. Indeed – I didn’t take to it to begin with as it seemed a bit tame and one-paced though after about five spins the music opened up. It’s an album which whilst in my opinion might not be one you’d like immediately though worth sticking with as overall it is a very good one.
As to the music…..everything you’d expect from Ten is here. Effortless hooks, melodies, riffs, solos and plenty more to enjoy with that familiar symphonic/proggy edge giving it that familiar Ten feel to things.
A Ten album usually starts with a big production to get attention form the off. No exception here with Look for the Rose (Part 2) fulfilling that role well. Six and a half minutes of consummate hard-edged, atmospheric melodic rock. The guitars trade solos and the always excellent Darrel Treece-Birch brings it on the keys.
The other nine tracks are strong and reward more with each listen. In particular the darkly brooding Parabellum and the title track.
The final three tracks – The Only Way Out, When Darkness Comes and The Greatest Show on Earth – have some punch to them to contrast with the more melodic New Found Hope for example.
Have a listen to When Darkness Comes:
Hughes and Ten on to another winner with this album. Sublime melodic/proggy rock expertly written and performed.