Bombshell, the title of the first major album release by West Virginia’s Hydrogyn, is certainly no understatement. The dynamic five-piece, fronted by sassy vocalist Julie (just “Julie”, apparently), have gathered considerable momentum since they formed in 2004. Already boasting hoards of followers on a local scale, they have amassed a number of sell-out US shows, as well as worldwide media interest and sponsorship deals, all of which has culminated in the release of a recording that many up-and-coming bands would give their eye teeth to be able to put their name to.

The unassuming intro to opener Vesper’s Song soon gives way to explosive guitars, chugging bass, powerful drums and a voice that drips with not-to-be-messed-with attitude. Julie’s vocal talent is immediately evident; she switches octaves at the drop of a hat while remaining a consistent match for the furious precision of the guitars and rhythm section. Blind and Look Away continue to run with the formula of heavy metal riffs coupled with powerfully defiant but melodic vocals and, while neither strays far from the tempo established by the first track, each is equally distinctive. 

Far from being a one-trick pony, Hydrogyn prove they can encompass a wide range of genres; Breaking Me Down features the same crisp riffage, but Julie’s voice softens to lend it a gothier, more melancholic feel that is gentler but no less striking. I’ve Been Waiting hints at the band’s lighter side with its catchy chorus, and Love Spoke has an almost pop flavour, with seductive guitar hooks that match the sultrier singing style adopted by Julie here. Guitarists Jeff Westlake and Jeff Boggs echo her vocal versatility, and their musical stylings range from thundering rock riffs to soaring melodies that sing in their own right.  

Bombshell also features a rendition of AC/DC’s Back In Black, which would perhaps have been better placed at the end of the album rather than right in the middle, as it interrupts the flow of the band’s own material somewhat. However, as cover versions go, it’s a credible tribute, and it’s interesting to hear the song performed by a female vocalist, especially one who is able to make the track her own. After the band return to darker, more brooding metal territory with Sand, the delicate acoustic guitar of Whisper provides an atmospheric contrast. On this number, as well as on the haunting Come Back to Me, Julie manages to sound both powerful and vulnerable. The last few tracks are slightly weaker tune-wise than the bulk of the album but nevertheless, there are enough strong hooks and interesting twists to hold the listener’s attention for the most part. The flawless production, courtesy of Michael Wagener (Ozzy Osbourne, Skid Row, Alice Cooper), means every song is beautifully layered but not over-polished. 

Hydrogyn seem to have been compared to every female-fronted band from Heart to Vixen to Evanescence; an evaluation that is somewhat narrow-minded seeing as all they really have in common with any of the above is the gender of their singer. Bombshell is wide-ranging in its appeal without being too commercial, and remains fresh and distinctive throughout. Definitely worth a listen.