Welcome cover

Released 24 years ago this October

Welcome

Taproot · 2002

46 min · 12 tracks · alternative metal

A raw blend of melodic hooks and heavy riffs that embodies the angst and introspection of early 2000s alternative metal.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Mine — As the lead single, Mine encapsulates the album’s core sound with its catchy chorus and introspective lyrics, becoming a defining track for the band.
  • →
    Poem — This track features a more subdued approach with poignant lyrics that explore themes of self-reflection, contrasting with the heavier songs on the album.
  • →
    Breathe — Breathe stands out for its atmospheric build-up and emotional depth, showcasing the band's ability to balance heaviness with melodic sensitivity.
  • →
    Everything — With its anthemic quality and relatable lyrics about longing and connection, Everything perfectly captures the essence of early 2000s alternative rock.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

43 /100
Lowland
Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album showcases a solid blend of melodic hooks and heavy riffs typical of early 2000s alternative metal.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied dynamics and tempo shifts.
  • Several tracks feature a call-and-response vocal style, enhancing the emotional intensity of the lyrics.
  • The album includes layered guitar riffs that alternate between heavy distortion and melodic passages, creating a contrast in sound.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • introspective late-night reflections
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on October 15, 2002, Welcome was Taproot's second studio album, following their debut, Gift, which had established them in the alternative metal scene. This album showcased a maturation in their sound and lyrical themes, moving from youthful angst to deeper emotional exploration.
Stylistic neighbors
Mudvayne· Deftones· Korn

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Mine 3:49
  • 2 Poem 3:09
  • 3 Everything 3:26
  • 4 Art 4:41
  • 5 Myself 3:47
  • 6 When 4:04
  • 7 Fault 3:18
  • 8 Sumtimes 4:28
  • 9 Breathe 4:17
  • 10 Like 4:37
  • 11 Dreams 3:42
  • 12 Time 3:18

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata