AS ON A DARKLING PLAIN

When I first heard this album, I couldn't quite put my finger on what I found so familiar with it while at the same time it sounded so unique. Blending hard rock, medieval folk and QUEEN-like choruses so shamelessly surely took some guts and I figured I had to grant the CD a few more spins. The results were well worth it as there are mighty strong tunes, here, some solid musicianship and some incredible melodies; even the slightly abrasive vocals fit in somehow (John Paul Strauss sounds like a cross between Michael Sadler and Peter Hammill). Finally, the church organ, the harpsichord and choruses give the album an especially haunting feel.

The best part is by far the epic title track, an 8-piece suite of energetic rock that ends with "Run Away", a track which features a strong SAGA-like instrumental break. I also hear traces of JETHRO TULL and GENESIS on many of these tracks but especially on the bouncy "Byzantine Fire" (reminiscent of "Trick of the Tail"). As for the track "Darkling Plain" itself, it is as perfect a blend of JETHRO TULL and HAPPY THE MAN as you're likely to hear. Come to think of it, I heard HAPPY THE MAN just about all over the album (especially on "I Can't See"), albeit a much rockier version of them.

If you give iit a chance to grow on you, you'll find "As on a Darkling Plain" an arresting album. It assails you with choppy beats and almost gothic vocals, then wraps you up with magnificent symphonic movements. It definitely makes me want to seek out TEN JINN's other material.