A celebration of Ten’s first ten years and all the songs on here have been re-recorded which sees the debut of new drummer Lee Morris (ex-Paradise Lost) plus allows newer members Chris Francis and Paul Hodson to strut their stuff.

Side one is all the rockers and includes immense anthems such as ‘The Name of the Rose’ and ‘Ten Fathoms Deep’.

Gary Hughes vocals really do take centre stage here and ‘the Robe’ certainly sounds fresher in its re-recorded form.

The only minor quibble is that on a few tracks the drum sounds ever so slightly ‘tinny’.

Over on the second disc we have nine ballads – enough to move even the toughest man to tears with all the emotion flowing through these songs.

If there is one thing Ten do well is the power ballad – big choruses, slow building momentum, heartfelt vocals, soaring guitar solos – they should base a textbook on Ten’s approach.

‘Till the End of Time’ sets the stall out nicely and again Gary Hughes’ vocals are the lead instrument almost. ‘Silent Rain’ and ‘Valentine’ would melt the coldest hearts and are certified classics in my book!

A very fitting memento of Ten’s first decade and it just shows what a truly great band they are. Hopefully this album will get the UK to sit up and take note as most other countries already know what a great band Ten are.

****

Review by Jason Ritchie

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly