Review: Hydra – Dehydration

Pride & Joy Music – August 21^st, 2026

Reviewer – Chris O’Connor

There are certain parts of the world that seem almost genetically predisposed to producing great Melodic Rock and AOR, and Scandinavia has long been one of them. Swedish outfit Hydra certainly aren’t about to do anything to damage that reputation with ‘Dehydration‘, their third studio album and the follow-up to ‘Point Break‘ (2022) and ‘Rehydration’(2024).

Featuring Andi Kravljaca (lead vocals/guitars), Henrik Hedström (keyboards/backing vocals), Jonny Trobro (bass) and Daniel Flores (drums/keyboards/backing vocals), Hydra specialise in classic AOR liberally mixed with the smoother sounds of West Coast. There is a heavy emphasis on soaring vocal melodies, layered keyboards, dazzling guitar solos and, perhaps most importantly, hugely infectious hooks. This is polished Melodic Rock, certainly, but thankfully never so polished that all the personality has been buffed out of it.

‘This Time’ is a powerful opening salvo, an uptempo rocker and towering statement of intent that is even a little reminiscent of Saga at their most melodic. ‘Fooled By Love Again’ follows with a wonderful slice of Scandinavian AOR, complete with a great chorus and some fabulous lead guitar guaranteed to have you playing air-guitar proudly – whether anybody happens to be watching or not.

Then comes ‘Labyrinth Of Love’, a totally gorgeous love song. Beautifully restrained, perfectly balanced and wonderfully West Coast, it features some truly exquisite lead guitar alongside a gorgeous vocal performance from Kravljaca. ‘Hiding In Plain Sight’ changes gear again with a pulsing rocker that flies along with effortless ease. This is absolutely classic AOR and one of those songs seemingly designed for cruising along in an open-top car with the stereo cranked obscenely high.

The opening of ‘A Million Miles’ initially suggests we’re heading into soft-ballad territory, before the song reveals itself as a Journey-esque rocker that is wonderfully dramatic in just about every respect.

And then there is ‘Halfway To Nowhere’.

Soft, beautifully subtle and at times almost bringing Air Supply to mind, this is simply a brilliant Power Ballad. Kravljaca’s voice is absolutely loaded with expression, turning an already beautiful song into something genuinely affecting. Every now and again a song comes along that manages to get through your defences and connect with you on a deeply personal level.

This one did.

Damn.

After that emotional wallop, ‘Bringing On The Thunder’ does precisely what its title promises, delivering a considerably heavier number built around a killer riff and some fiery lead guitar from Kravljaca. ‘Somebody To Love’ maintains the momentum with another thrusting Melodic Rocker. Kravljaca once again demonstrates what an excellent vocalist he is, while the rhythm section of Trobro and Flores proves just how tight and dynamic it can be. Hedström’s keyboards meanwhile add beautiful swathes of colour without ever overwhelming proceedings.

‘Depending On A Miracle’ brings another classy Power Ballad, simultaneously subtle and elegant yet still possessing plenty of power when required.

‘Don’t Tell Me It’s Too Late’ could genuinely have found a home on either of the first two Giant albums – and anybody familiar with my feelings about classic Melodic Rock will know exactly how substantial a compliment that is. It has that glorious combination of musicianship, melody and sheer class that characterised the very best AOR of the era.

Which brings us to ‘The Winner’, and Hydra have saved an absolute belter for last. An anthemic, fist-in-the-air AOR gem, this is essentially a chest-beating f*** you to anyone who has ever tried to convince you that you’re somehow not good enough. There are shades of Steve Lukather and Toto at their most powerful here, and that enormous sense of defiance makes it a magnificent way to close the album.

‘Dehydration‘ is quite simply a fabulous Melodic Rock album. Hydra aren’t attempting to reinvent AOR – they understand what makes the genre great and execute it with tremendous skill, heart and enthusiasm. Huge choruses, gorgeous melodies, expressive vocals, glorious keyboards and enough fabulous guitar work to keep your imaginary SuperStrat busy for weeks are all present and correct. Yet beneath all that immaculate musicianship are songs capable of actually making you feel something, and that’s what elevates ‘Dehydration‘ beyond mere nostalgia. If Journey, Giant, Toto, Saga and classic West Coast AOR occupy treasured spaces in your record collection, Hydra deserve a space alongside them. Turn it up, sing along, play that ridiculous air-guitar solo and enjoy every bloody second. Absolutely superb.

Track List: 

1. This Time
2. Fooled By Love Again
3. Labyrinth Of Love
4. Hiding In Plain Sight
5. A Million Miles
6. Halfway To Nowhere
7. Bringing On The thunder
8. Somebody To Love
9. Depending On A Miracle
10. Don’t Tell Me it’s Too Late
11. The Winner

Line-up:

Henrik Hedström: Keyboard, Acoustic & Clean Guitars And Backing Vocals

Andi Kravljaca: Lead Vocals – Lead Guitar & Rhythm Guitar

Jonny Trobro: Bass

Daniel Flores: Drums, Keyboard And Backing Vocals

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