What makes Hell Symphony by Root notable?

The album is significant for being one of the early entries into the black metal genre from Eastern Europe, contributing to the visibility of Czech metal. It received positive reviews from underground critics and helped establish Root as a prominent name within the burgeoning European black metal movement. Upon releasing 'Hell Symphony,' Root was in their early career phase, having formed just a few years prior in 1991. This debut album showcased the band's unique take on black metal, marking their emergence in the Czech scene and setting the stage for their subsequent releases.

How many songs are on Hell Symphony?

Hell Symphony has 12 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Hell Symphony

Root · 1991

44 min · 12 tracks · black metal

A dark and atmospheric journey through sinister themes, blending ominous riffs with haunting melodies.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Belzezub — Opening with an intense atmosphere, this track sets the tone for the album with its intricate guitar work and powerful vocals that encapsulate Root's unique style.
→
Satan — This track features a compelling blend of melody and aggression, showcasing Root's ability to merge lyrical themes of darkness with captivating musicality.
→
Leviathan — With its lengthy structure and dynamic shifts, this song exemplifies the band's progressive approach within black metal, making it a standout piece on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

49 /100

Foothills

Higher than 22% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid composition and craft while establishing a distinct sound within early black metal.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of minor keys, creating a dark atmosphere throughout its twelve tracks.
Each track typically begins with a slow, ominous introduction before transitioning into faster-paced sections with aggressive guitar riffs.
Several tracks incorporate spoken word segments that add to the sinister themes, enhancing the overall narrative quality of the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Belzezub 6:07
2 Belial 3:08
3 Lucifer 4:07
4 Abaddon 3:15
5 Asmodeus 3:14
6 Satan 4:10
7 Leviathan 5:50
8 Astaroth 2:38
9 Loki 4:40
10 The Prayers 4:11
11 The Oath 0:46
12 Satan's March 2:50

What to play next

Listen next

The Temple in the Underworld

1992

Go back to

Zjevení

1990

Full Root discography Artists like Root

black metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata