Dutch rock band Within Temptation released their first album since 2011 earlier this month, called “Hydra.” This album brings in some outside talent, along with featuring the talents of the band that brought them fame through Europe and a following in the United States. Within Temptation was founded in 1996 by current lead vocalist Sharon den Adel and guitarist Robert Westerholt. In an interview, den Adel said that they were more of a symphonic rock band, even though some of their earliest material could be described as gothic metal.

Their latest album, Hydra, has styles mixed between their music throughout the early to mid 2000s combined with their changes to a style influenced by 1980s rock and metal influences in their 2011 album, “The Unforgiving.” Some songs stand out as being closer to the style of their previous albums, “like Mother Earth” or “The Silent Force”, are “(Our?) Edge of the World”, “Dog Days”, and “Paradise (What About Us).” “Silver Moonlight”, and “Tell Me Why” are songs that really reflect the sounds of their newer style with less use of the orchestral elements their older songs were known for.

Another thing that stands out on this album is the guest artists. Tarja Turnen, former lead vocalist for the Finnish band Nightwish, another symphonic rock band, makes an appearance in “paradise (what about us)”. Her voice lends a softer more melodic tone in contrast with that of lead singer Sharon de Adel, who also preforms in this song. Howard Jones, former lead vocalist for Killswitch Engage, an American metalcore band, lends his voice to the song “Dangerous” on this album, and David Pirner of Soul Asylum, an American alternative rock band, lends his voice to the song “Whole World is Watching.”

The most notable guest is American rapper Xzibit, who adds his style to the song “And We Run”, which ends up as a much better mix than one would have thought. The mixture of rap and symphonic rock is an unusual one, but the contrast between the tone of den Adel’s vocals and the voice of Xzibit worked well, along with the lyrics. According to den Adel, in an interview with The Aquarian, the decision to include Xzibit in the song “And We Run” showcased the group’s interest in experimentation. Xzibit was also allowed to have control of the lyrics for the song, although the concept was already set in stone.

When it comes to overall style, the music of Within Temptation is very similar to bands such as Evanescense or Nightwish. The band members are quite talented. The two that stand out are lead vocalist Sharon den Adel and lead guitarist Ruud Jolie. Jolie has several well done guitar solos that are worth a listen, and den Adel’s vocals are as stunning as ever. If you like metal, or other symphonic rock bands, I suggest that you give Within Temptations latest album, Hydra, a bit of your time.