It has been eighteen years since Within Temptation first saw the light of day. This epic Dutch band started with a visceral and mystical style, but has converted to a more mainstream approach of metal music after the first two albums, most pronounced after the enormous success of The Silent Force (2004) and The Heart Of Everything (2007). The band rode that success into 2011 with the release of The Unforgiven, making them internationally known as a leading symphonic rock band. In 2014, their latest album Hydra is no exception to that tendency; in fact Hydra takes another step farther from Within Temptation’s original roots. The album features production by Daniel Gibson, which has worked with the band over the past decade. Thanks to the angelic-voiced vocalist Sharon den Adel, their sound is still easily recognizable and very much one of a kind in the metal scene.
Hydra begins with a promising guitar riff on the first track “Let us Burn”, making it an excellent choice to start this album. The song is powerful and full of traditional Within Temptation elements. The next track “Dangerous” features guest vocals of Howard Jones (former member of Killswitch Engage, current band Devil You Know). The track is both powerful and equally heavy with thick bass provided by Jeroen van Veen and energetic drumming of Mike Coolen. Jones’ masculine voice matches perfectly with den Adel’s tender tone, and together they make a beautiful contrast, justifying the track being released as the second single. Third track “And We Run” begins lightly and has a nice orchestral spice to it. However after the first minute and a half there is a huge surprise and that is when a rap is interjected by guest hip hop artist Xzibit. It is common to mix rap work with regular heavy metal, but when it comes to gothic /symphonic metal, the chance of it working is slim. That is why this track can come across to some less open-minded listeners as confusing. Xzibit’s rap verse is melted into the song in a classy fashion, but it would be interesting to hear an alternate version of the track remixed without the rap verse for contrast.
The fourth track and lead single off the album, “Paradise (What About Us?), there is a guest vocal appearance by Tarja Turunen (former Nightwish vocalist). It is probably fair to say all fans of Nightwish and Within Temptation have shared the common curiosity of what Tarja and den Ade’sl voices would sound like together. The collaboration sees two legendary but different metal female vocalists together; Tarja’s voice is dramatic and powerful and den Adel’s voice is celestial and sensitive. That is exactly why the duet works extremely well. The song is forceful and fast-paced; however a slow and melodic rendition would be complying for long-time fans to hear as well.
After a raw and energetic start “Edge Of The World” is just the balance Hydra needed, showcasing a gentle and simple vocalization of den Adel. The song is an alluring symphonic offering with a pinch of Celtic influence to it. On “Silver Moonlight” the adrenaline rush is brought back as previous tracks on the album. While being full of energy the song maintains the structure of classic Within Temptation and even interjects some heavy metal growls. A melodic and updated feeling is provided on “Covered By Roses”, but an unexpected poem written by a child graces the middle of the song, reminding you of a signature element of Nightwish styling.
Keeping things even and balanced, “Dog Days” follows a melancholy path while “Tell Me Why” has elements of both heavy and power metal, keeping the album cohesive in its style. The album closes out with the slowest performance on the album entitled “Whole World Is Watching”. The ballad-like song features a duet between den Adel and Soul Asylum vocalist Dave Pirner, whose voices entwine together in majestic fashion, making for a fitting closing to the album.
Hydra is a solid and passionate album with elegant and deep lyrics that really give soul to each song. Perhaps there could have been room for one ballad, but all in all Hydra is an excellent package and it only gets better and better with each listen. Once again, Sharon den Adel interprets the music in a stunning and breathtaking matter, thus why Within Temptation are still at the top of their craft. CrypticRock give Hydra 4 out of 5 stars.
- Nuclear Blast
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