Root
The Book
[Redblack]
For those that are still unfamiliar with the legendary act, Root are basically known today for two reasons. 1) They are the first black metal band to emerge from Czechoslovakia, influencing many giants like Dai, Master's Hammer, and Maniac Butcher, and 2) they are led by perhaps the ugliest man in black metal history to date, vocalist and visionary Big Boss, who looks as if he clawed his way right up through the bowels of hell itself and brought all the worst elements along with him. These guys are and always have been the foundation for one of the most solid metal scenes possible, and despite a long and sorely missed break-up, their fifth eccentric opus The Book is a complete and undeniable masterpiece.
By this point in time, Root have progressed from their primitive black metal years to a classical and operatic heavy metal entity. Though the early material was indeed great, I really feel that the band has advanced leaps and bounds ahead of their former self, as The Book combines the greatest rudiments of several different worlds and creates one of the most atmospheric and arcane environments imaginable. Big Boss' vocals are simply just unparalleled, layered with a thick Czech accent in a rumbling baritone setting and perhaps putting even Messiah Marcolin's best years to shame. The commanding and authoritative presence that he dictates undoubtedly makes him one of the most gifted singers to ever trance any genre. None of this, however, is meant to detract any well-deserved praise from incredible guitar and drum work, which I believe hits the absolute climax at "Remember Me!" near the end of the album. Other highlights include "The Message of the Time", "The Book", and the two-part epic "Corabeu," where that singing once again really shines through. All this is topped off by a crystal-clear production that showcases every individual brilliant aspect.
I would recommend The Book especially to fans of older doom metal (Candlemass), Arcturus' La Masquerade Infernale, or those into such abstract works as Devil Doll and Elend. Though there will always be some that cast this off as an abomination of the earlier material, anyone remotely drifting in that obscure twilight zone at least owes it a listen.
© 2000 hando
By this point in time, Root have progressed from their primitive black metal years to a classical and operatic heavy metal entity. Though the early material was indeed great, I really feel that the band has advanced leaps and bounds ahead of their former self, as The Book combines the greatest rudiments of several different worlds and creates one of the most atmospheric and arcane environments imaginable. Big Boss' vocals are simply just unparalleled, layered with a thick Czech accent in a rumbling baritone setting and perhaps putting even Messiah Marcolin's best years to shame. The commanding and authoritative presence that he dictates undoubtedly makes him one of the most gifted singers to ever trance any genre. None of this, however, is meant to detract any well-deserved praise from incredible guitar and drum work, which I believe hits the absolute climax at "Remember Me!" near the end of the album. Other highlights include "The Message of the Time", "The Book", and the two-part epic "Corabeu," where that singing once again really shines through. All this is topped off by a crystal-clear production that showcases every individual brilliant aspect.
I would recommend The Book especially to fans of older doom metal (Candlemass), Arcturus' La Masquerade Infernale, or those into such abstract works as Devil Doll and Elend. Though there will always be some that cast this off as an abomination of the earlier material, anyone remotely drifting in that obscure twilight zone at least owes it a listen.
© 2000 hando