HydroThis is an Italian power/symphonic metal band with a few traditional elements to their musical scores. Originally I have a preconception that this would be everything that was around over ten years ago in this age of regurgitation. However, I do find their variation rather surprising. Their ‘The Bridge Is Infinite’ would surely fit with Nightwish fans and early speedier Dragonheart (as they were known then – now Dragonforce) influences.  ‘Winners March’ would suit fans of the symphonic metal masters and fellow countrymen Rhapsody of Fire (as they are now known) to a tee, so yes there is a bit of variation all about one sort of genre of course, but when such influences are laid down like Hydro do, you are in good company. Simply listen to the almost Irish folk voice on ‘Enchanted Forest’, this really suits the track title although I am not sure of the need for a normal and an acoustic (misspelt in CD booklet) version of the same song on the same album.

The vocals are cool but they do suffer a poor mix and this leads to the sound being a little thin, a little weak. I am not bashing the music but better recorded sound could make this band beef up their street cred just that little bit more and I have tried a few different sound sources in such a quest. Aside from this, there are many glorious vocal and guitar melodies on offer to whet your appetite with but unfortunately I have this weak limp lettuce sound in my mind now and it’s hard to shake it, it is really annoying.

Symphonic, epic, fast and dreamy are all perfectly suited descriptions of Hydro’s music, as much as I like it, I have a hard time trying to find its relevance in the current saturated Euro Metal market and you could even say that if not already established, this ship has sailed. That maybe a harsh, because the music is very genuine and finally the song arrangements are a little different to everything else out there, but I do fear for complacency when the rest of you lot hear this.

(6.5/10 Paul Maddison)

http://www.facebook.com/metalhydro