Dutch symphonic metal / rock band Within Temptation deliver their sixth studio album. This album features some interesting guest performances from operatic metal diva Tarja Turunen, US hip-hop icon Xzibit, singer-songwriter Dave Pirner (Soul Asylum) and metalcore Legend Jones (ex-Killswitch Engage)...

The new album from Within Temptation, Hydra, has been crafted to represents the different avenues the band has explored in the past. This is the group's sixth studio album and the idea was to create a collection of songs that represented the best of old and new. They are a Dutch symphonic metal/rock band originally founded in 1996 by vocalist Sharon den Adel and guitarist Robert Westerholt.

The album contains 10 tracks (50 min) and not only is it an almost faultless metal / rock album, but some serious thought has gone into the track running order. It kicks off with 'Let Us Burn', a powerful rock opener. This is followed up with the heavy kicking 'Dangerous' which also features Howard Jones.

In fact, it's this album's guest artists that transform this from impressive to essential purchase. 'And We Run' features Xzibit and the clashing of rap and heavy rock elevates the track to one that can be appreciate by fans of both genres. 'Paradise (What About Us)' features operatic metal diva Tarja - I couldn't help but be reminded of the scene in The Fifth Element with the alien opera diva.

The album's last three tracks slowly ramp up the quality until we get to the last song, which, for me, is by far the most impressive track on the album. 'Whole World Is Watching' is a power ballad which features Dave Pirner. This is the perfect way to wrap up a well crafted album that no self-respecting rock fan should be without.

10

Nick Smithson