The Name of the Rose

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, the Zoo Crew's soaring high on those epic melodic hard rock waves with Ten's classic "The Name of the Rose" from their 1996 album of the same name. Man, this title track is a total powerhouse—those massive hooks, Vinny Burns' scorching guitar leads, and Gary Hughes' soaring vocals painting this mysterious tale of beauty, danger, and timeless allure, inspired by the Umberto Eco novel vibes but twisted into a rock anthem that grabs your soul. Fans in old interviews and reviews call it one of the band's signature tunes, a perfect blend of '90s polish with that classic British hard rock spirit, often hailed as the song that helped cement Ten's place in the melodic scene alongside gems like "Wildest Dreams" and "After the Love Has Gone." It's got that epic chorus that lifts you up like a summer breeze carrying secrets from ancient gardens, and live clips from back then show crowds losing it every time those riffs kick in.

Digging through the archives, Gary's shared in chats how the whole album flowed from a burst of creativity, with "The Name of the Rose" capturing that romantic yet edgy essence that defines their sound—melodic yet heavy, heartfelt without losing the fire. Retro rock lovers still post about it on forums, saying it's the kind of track that turns casual listeners into lifelong devotees, proving some roses never fade even decades later.

Flowing back to the roots, Zoo Freaks, Ten sprouted in 1995 when Manchester's own Gary Hughes, fresh off a couple solo albums, hooked up with guitarist Vinny Burns and drummer Greg Morgan—both ex-Dare cats—for what started as sessions for his next records. Gary had penned a whopping 28 songs, splitting the heavier ones for the band project, and when producer Mike Stone got involved, it all evolved into the full-blown melodic hard rock outfit we know as Ten. Their self-titled debut dropped in '96, quickly followed by The Name of the Rose, launching them into the scene with that signature mix of soaring melodies, epic atmospheres, and pure rock passion that's kept them grooving strong ever since.

If this vibe's pulling you in deeper, drift over to the official site at tenofficial.com—it's packed with bio details, discography, tour dates, and all the latest from the band. Connect with Gary and the crew on their official Facebook at facebook.com/TenOfficial, where they share updates and good energy with the fans. For that true community spirit, hang out in melodic hard rock forums and groups online where devotees swap stories and keep the flame alive. Keep those requests rolling, freaks—the turntable's spinning and the journey's endless.