Recent Reviews

November 2024

October 2024

September 2024

August 2024

July 2024

June 2024

[ More Music Reviews ]


Hydra: ReHydrated
Hydra - ReHydrated Album Art

Hydra: ReHydrated

Melodic Hard Rock/AOR
4.0/5.0

Formed and led by veteran Swedish composer and musician Henrik Hedström, Hydra returns with their sophomore studio album, aptly titled ReHydrated. The album is supported by a stable personnel including drummer/ producer Daniel Flores (Find Me, First Signal etc.), bassist Jonny Trobro (First Signal, Find Me) and vocalist/guitarist Andi Kravljaca (Aeon Zen, Seventh Wonder).

Henrik Hedström - Click For Larger Image

Hydra's Henrik Hedström

Once more Hedstrom and friends deliver classic AOR melodic hard rock which is built upon solid song craftsmanship. It's the usual genre suspects: strong song melody, vocal and guitar harmony, rock rhythm and groove, catchy choruses, and lightning guitar solos with plenty of keyboards for embellishment and texture. The formula is well-known and executed with skill and talent from these veteran musicians.


The simple conclusion follows: if you like the first Hydra album, Point Break (or the AOR genre in general), you will find this album satisfying and entertaining. Hedstrom and Hydra have merely doubled down on their signature sound, essentially making radio friendly, arena ready AOR rock anthems. To this end, rockers like Making Up Stories, Eye Of The Storm, I Remember, and We Belong really rip it up with quick pacing, big groove, and epic guitar solos. Andi Kravljaca is a masterful guitar player. Alternatively, Hydra can slows things up, or dial it back, with a Westcoast groove like Love Remains or Me Minus You, the latter perhaps the closest song to a ballad.

All said, ReHydrated finds Hydra doubling down on their signature AOR melodic hard rock sound, thanks to strong song craftsmanship and skilled musical talent from some gifted genre veterans. Recommended.

CraigHartranft.net - New fiction, crime fiction by Craig Hartranft

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

The Take Away

All said, ReHydrated finds Hydra doubling down on their signature AOR melodic hard rock sound, thanks to strong song craftsmanship and skilled musical talent from some gifted genre veterans. Recommended.

Find A Review

Alphabetical Index

a b c d e f g h i j
k l m n o p q r s t
u v w x y z #
New & Notable
Read the Eclipse: Megalomanium II Album Review

By far, Sweden's Eclipse is one of my favorite bands. Always consistent and always entertaining, Eclipse has been delivering their 21st century version of melodic metal rock since songwriter, producer ... [ Read More ]

October 2024 Stats
  • Views: 14K
  • Active Users: 3.7K
  • New Users: 3.1K
  • Event Count: 41K
  • Source: Google Analytics