Gary Hughes – Gary Hughes (1992)1997

Hard Rock, Melodic Rock | AOR

garyGary HUGHES is of course the “mastermind” behind the band TEN (plus producing/writing with Bob CATLEY). He’s back to go on with his solo career after three pop/aor beautiful albums. Gary HUGHES spent the entire year of 2002 writing and recording his most ambitious project to date: an immense opera rock entitled “Once and Future King” in two chapters based on the myths and stories of King Arthur, the legendary King of Britain.

They’re both chapters of the same story and they’re both told with the same vibrant brilliance. It’s got a great story, great instruments, and some absolutely fantastic vocal performances. The musical feel here is a mix between prog-like metal and melodic, heavier AOR (ala TEN). Everything from ballads to heavy, powerful hymns can be found here and the songs are catchy and quick to enter your mind. Those who enjoyed other rock/metal operas like AYREON, STAR ONE should find “Once and Future King” to be a nice addition to their collections.

[spoiler]For this two-CD project he enlised a huge supporting cast, with various big-name vocalists playing “roles” in the story. Each song adds a layer to the intriguing tale and the dark story is told with conviction through the various singers. For the most part, the musicians behind Hughes and his guest stars are the members of TEN. They make sure that the music is high class.
“Once and Future King – Part I”
Featuring a stunning cast of musicians including; Arjen LUCASSEN, Damian WILSON (THRESHOLD, AYREON) – Prologue Narrator; Gary HUGHES – as Arthur; Lana LANE – as Guinevere; Danny VAUGHN (TYKETTO) – as Lancelot; Irene JANSEN (KARMA) – as Morgana; Bob CATLEY (MAGNUM) – as Merlin; Sean HARRIS (DIAMOND HEAD) – as Galahad.
“Once and Future King – Part II”
The second part featuring appearances by DC COOPER – as Aelle; Sabine EDELSBACHER (EDENBRIDGE) – as Nimue; Doogie WHITE (RAINBOW, Yngwie MALMSTEEN) – as Mordred; Harry HESS (HAREM SCAREM) – as Epilogue Narrator; plus special guest Arjen LUCASSEN.[/spoiler]

01 – This Thing Of Beauty.
02 – Seducer.
03 – I Won’t Break Your Heart.
04 – Blonde Angel ’93.
05 – Suspendered Animation.
06 – It Must Be Love.
07 – Til The Rivers Run Dry.
08 – Criminal.
09 – We Walk With Angels.
10 – Now Or Never.
11 – Renegade.
12 – Look At The Rain.

Gary Hughes (Lead Vocals, Guitars), Lee Revill, Paul Dorsett, Aziz, Simon Humphrey (Guitars), Steve Steadman, Gary Frankland (Bass), Howard Smith, David Hewson (Keyboards), Darren Wilcox, Steve Frankland, Darren Lamberton (Drums).
Produced by Simon Humphrey and Gary Hughes.
“Look At The Rain” is the British 1997 re-issue bonus track

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