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There was a time in late 80ies and early 90ies when the bands of the first wave of black metal music created some excellent and innovative pieces of art. The most characteristic traits of this genre were formed between these years of paramount importance and it’s worth mentioning that the bands that were leading the whole movement did not come only from Scandinavia. Hungary and Czech Republic had two bands that exercised huge influence upon the universal black metal scene. In the first country the mighty Tormentor did flourish and in the latter a band with very big discography, Root.
Root is not such a well known group, yet they have a large and devoted cell of fans, especially in their fatherland. I think that the re-release of two classic magna opera of theirs honours the Swedish label greatly. It is an action of high importance, since the black metal record shops nowadays are snowed under with mediocre black and white releases. It’s high time for the black metal fans worldwide to purchase two albums that will be a credit to their record library!
Root’s sound is doomy, dark, nostalgic, epic and majestic in its own way. Specifically, the album "The Temple in the Underworld", which was released in 1992, is one of the most inspired works coming from Eastern Europe in the history of metal music. I've been listening to this album for several years and I still admire the maturity of Root’s musicianship. You should listen to this anthem! The blackened and the clean, deep vocals of Big Boss alternate creating unique atmospheres, while Blackie’s guitar parts are melodic and enviable for the rest black metal guitarists. Tracks like "Message" and "My Name" are everlasting anthems of the European metal underground!
The things in their first full-length, "Zjeveni" of 1990, are a little bit more bestial and raw, bringing to one’s mind some mighty thrash or death metal bands of the 80ies. The songs are faster, but the great talent of Root is obvious here, as well. During the track "Cesta Zkazy" you can listen to some of the most amazing chants of Big Boss, what a singer!
If you are a friend of the darkness coming from original bands and not from groups with plastic and commonplace atmospheres, then BUY OR DIE.
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