Hydra Vein - After The Dream (1988)

The band's debut, 'Rather Death Than False Of faith' may have been wrapped in one of metal's worst album covers, but within that wax existed a cool, thrashing UK band. 'After The Dream', wrapped in a strangely out of context sleeve (Nocturnus' 'The Key' anyone ?), which is akin to an offering served up by Earache Records, is a six tracker, the last the band would offer sadly before their demise. Not the greatest way to go out, more a whimper rather than a bang, this record lacks the raw power of the debut. It's still very much Hydra Vein but I'm left slightly cold by this one, it seems bereft of a top track or two and is never able to hook into the flesh. It's all rather formulaic and mid-paced, typically British, which is no bad thing, although a majority of thrash bands suffered due to lack of production and push. Fave cuts are the dense sounding 'Pro Patria' and '7 U.S.C.', but even then, there's nothing really of note and it all comes across as rather mundane. I personally feel that Hydra Vein would have benefited more from a more aggressive and faster approach which would certainly have suited Keen's vocal delivery more, and whilst Balfour and co' are eager to rage, the dream very quickly fades, Hydra Vein, a band I'm so glad I discovered, condemned to the packed pit of other, similar bands who lacked the cutting edge to compete.

5.5/10