The brand new TEN album has arrived and it’s the first release from brand new European label Rocktopia, which just happens to be headed by none other than Keiran Dargan and Bruce Mee of Firefest fame. Now that Firefest has (sadly) had its final fling we can look forward to what Rocktopia Records will have to offer.

Although TEN’s new record will be the first on the new label it is the bands eleventh proper studio recording and they have built up quite the legacy since the debut back in 1996 (better known as the dark ages in melodic rock!). Gary Hughes is the mastermind behind the band and his songwriting prowess is well known amongst the European melodic rock world.

Let’s jump right into the new record titled “Albion” and see if the fine tradition of the band is upheld.

“Alone In The Dark” starts things off and listening to the lyrics you remember how classy a writer Gary Hughes really is as he has a way of crafting songs like few others. The chorus is understated yet melodic and the soloing rips as TEN has had a tradition of exceptional guitarist in its ranks through the years and the new players on board are no exception. The song is short (4:25) by TEN standards but that makes it all that more concise and to the point.

“Battlefield” is a real grower as upon first listen I wasn’t overly impressed but after repeated listens it started to reveal its grandeur. Not sure if the Hughes made a concerted effort but it feels like he’s refined the songs to be more to the point and I like the approach. Even the abrupt ending of the song feels right as in the past I could easily see the song continuing on for a few more minutes and having it get lost on some as a result. 

“It’s Alive” feels different for the band. It harkens back to the earlier days of the debut with its lighter approach. It’s melodic but with a slightly deviant feel. Some interesting keyboard sounds add to the effect and the elevating solo is a nice touch.

“Albion Born” is pure class with its epic arrangement veering into a light progressive locale. It’s very British sounding as the song tells of ancient Britain as the term Albion itself refers.

One thing TEN and Hughes have always been popular for is the ballad. Hughes can write sophisticated romantic sagas and “Sometimes Love Takes The Long Way Home” is in that category. It’s not a sappy love song but an elegant one talking about the feelings and effects of love. The song is another great arrangement from Hughes also. 

“A Smuggler’s Tale” is a bit more straightforward sounding for the band. It’s not elegantly arranged but more guitar driven than anything else. It’s the type of song that might need several listens to warm up to completely but upon initial listens seems like more an average tune.

“Die For Me” has more of that straightforward sound but with just a slight bit more of the TEN flair incorporated in. It’s another guitar driven song but the lush production gives it that extra leaning towards the traditional TEN sound. It’s got a melodic rock feel all around with a solo that further drives that point home and it is another song that might need repeated listens to take full effect.

“It Ends This Day” has an interesting arrangement and sound. It’s got a bit of the same vibe as “It’s Alive” to me. It has the sound of TEN from their debut but with a more modern or updated flair. It’s interesting to hear Hughes take his songs to this place.

“Gioco d’Amore” (translation: Game of Love) is another ballad from Hughes in the familiar TEN form he’s known for. Again, it’s a refined track and the Italian lyrics give it that classic operatic vibe over plush piano. The classy, layered guitar throughout the solo is a nice touch and it makes this is an elegant song.

The album concludes with “Wild Horses” and it’s another straight-on rocker with a bit of an edge to it. I like how TEN have taken a slightly more raw approach on some of the songs on this album and it’s a nice contrast to the usual epic, orchestral and lush approach of other songs.

Anyway you slice it “Albion” is yet another classy affair from TEN. You get some different sides from Gary Hughes and company this time around but you never loose the pure Albion class they have always offered.