Band: Within Temptation
Album: Hydra
Release Date: February 4, 2014 (U.S.)
Label: Nuclear Blast U.S.A.
Members: Sharon den Adel (vocals), Robert Westerholt (guitar), Ruud Jolie (guitar), Stefan Helleblad (guitar), Jeroen Van Veen (bass), Martijn Spierenburg (keys), Mike Coolen (drums)
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With critical acclaim of the pre-album release singles by fans and critics alike, the Dutch symphonic metal monolith, Within Temptation , are doing everything in their power to turn their sixth and latest album Hydra into a towering masterpiece. Featuring the likes of Howard Jones (former Killswitch Engage vocalist), Tarja Turunen (former Nightwish vocalist) and Dave Pirner (Soul Asylum), it’s no surprise that the album is garner lots of attention and has huge potential.
The band doesn’t start Hydra off with one of those pointless introductions to create some form of theatrical suspense. Sharon den Adel fires away from the start, giving an authoritative vocal performance with the power of her band mates behind her during “Let us Burn” and it’s game on from there!
“Dangerous” features the one and only Howard Jones. Sharon performs vocals harmonies behind Howard, and it feels odd hearing him outside the KsE sound, but it works more than you can imagine. There’s no feeling of being overpowered by the guest vocalist, nor claiming he’s a guest just to have five seconds of fame. He’s used effectively and it’s evidently distinct, just like in “And We Run” with Xzibit, who raps like a man with nothing else to lose over Martijn Spierenburg’s keyboard and Ruud Jolie’s guitar.
One of our favorite songs is “Paradise” (What About Us?) ft. Tarja Turunen and it speaks for itself in the video. Give it a watch/listen:
“Paradise (What About Us?)” ft. Tarja
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“The Whole World is Watching” featuring Pirner, is worth the wait as an astounding melodic conclusion to Hydra.
“Whole World Is Watching” ft. Dave Pirner
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Within Temptation has utilized what it has to make a prominent statement. Hydra has everything from the most elegant of keyboards to blindingly amazing guitar work weaved throughout.They are Within Temptation. And this is Hydra.
Get it now at Best Buy retailers, online everywhere and for a list of U.S. retailers, click HERE!
~Connor Williams, Journalist
