‘Hydra’ is the sixth studio album by Dutch symphonic metal band Within Temptation. It was originally released on January 31, 2014 in Europe and on February 4, 2014 in North America. The album contains guest appearances by singer Howard Jones (ex- Killswitch Engage), rapper Xzibit, metal vocalist Tarja Turunen (ex-Nightwish) and alternative rock singer Dave Pirner (Soul Asylum).
It was the first album by Within Temptation to be recorded with three guitarists, with Stefan Helleblad making his Within Temptation studio debut on ‘Hydra’ since his addition to the band shortly after the release of ‘The Unforgiving’ in 2011. ‘Hydra’ is also the first With- in Temptation album to feature Robert Westerholt’s growling tech- niques since the band’s debut album, ‘Enter’ in 1997.
The band wanted it to be a real Within Temptation record, but heavier, more musically challenging, pushing borders and frontiers with new elements and influences, and at the same time bring back more from their early metal roots “... A bit like the past and future at the same time” – as stated by the band.
The album title refers to the great variation in musical genres, the band improves on with each new release. Guitarist Robert Wester- holt adds: “Hydra is a perfect title for our new album, because like
the monster itself, the record represents the many different sides of our music”. According to the ancient Greek mythology, the Hydra was a giant multi-headed serpent that, for each severed head, sprang forth two more in their place. This new Expanded Edition comes with 8 bonus tracks, never released on vinyl before.
Limited 2LP 180g black vinyl pressing.
Tracklisting
Side A:
1. LET US BURN
2. DANGEROUS FEAT. HOWARD JONES
3. AND WE RUN FEAT. XZIBIT
4. PARADISE (WHAT ABOUT US?) FEAT. TARJA
Side B:
1. EDGE OF THE WORLD
2. SILVER MOONLIGHT
3. COVERED BY ROSES
4. DOG DAYS
Side C:
1. TELL ME WHY
2. WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING FEAT. DAVE PIRNER
3. KEEP ON BREATHING*
4. ONE OF THESE DAYS*
5. LIVING ON FIRE*
Side D:
1. AND WE RUN**
2. SILVER MOONLIGHT**
3. COVERD BY ROSES**
4. TELL ME WHY**
5. WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING FEAT. PIOTR ROGUCKI
* bonus tracks
