On this (their fifth) album ROOT began taking their style into a more sophisticated territory of tenebrous, epic and original-sounding metal - 'the Book'- the dark, occult and totally hypnotic album, a passage into a world where mortals fear to tread, a pit of uncanny esotericism that entices the listener and immerses you completely with its sheer creativity, just like any good tale would. Big Boss' delivered his most spectacular performance to date, using his diverse vocal skills to the fullest, and the band was in its most inspired mode writing varied songs all keeping the eerie sense of journeying through torch-lit caverns reeking of sulfur to the very bowels of hell. Or if 'the Satanic Bible'had been composed into music the hymnal 'the Book'would have been the result. Either way, this is a work of mystifying art.
As with many bands from the Eastern Bloc ROOT were not actively promoted outside their home country and for that reason they are not as renowned as they should be, remaining a cult favourite all too few have heard, but all that is about to change. 'the Book'is a matter of course for individuals abiding in the nether regions of atmospheric black metal, doom metal and the darkest of progressive and heavy metal. The strength of this album lies in its ability to appeal to any number of people. I HATE's re-release comes with a new improved layout and features exclusive bonus songs from the Root-archives.
