HYDRA is a current band from the French Alps, that plays very Nineties-like Progressive heavy-metal. Its first album "Rock Experience" (1996) really had the right-suited title, as the styles that were visited during these eleven tracks proved to be much more varied as first expected. On top of a perfectly mastered duality between Progressive rock and A.O.R., it is noteworthy that exciting escapades towards jazz-tinted soul music are there to be heard ! There is no doubt that DREAM THEATER, QUEENSRYCHE or MAGELLAN lovers will be delighted. Last but not least, the instrumental quality serves perfectly the richness and the inventiveness of the compositions