"YOU ARE FUCKED!" was the message from Frederick Durst when Taproot chose NOT to sign to his label. Well, I really hope he shat his pants, baggy trousers and his baseball cap, when he heard this!

Opener 'smile' sets the heavy/hardcore pace with a strong sense of melody. Imagine all the best bits of some of the best American heavy bands of the moment - Tool, Deftones, Incubus, even Glassjaw but think of something whipped up in a ultra heavy melodic blender. They have more tunes than a chemist in winter and this album is one huge highlight.

Singer Steve Richards possesses the voice of a melodic metal god, both subtle and strong with the odd scream thrown in for good measure. Single 'Again & Again' is a anthemic, dynamic, modern metal burner which is spiced up by electronic samples and boasts Mike DeWolf's intense guitar playing.

'I' is an angst filled metal epic, which stands out in an album that is an amazing debut and quite possibly the metal/hardcore record of the year.

Metal can be sensitive too you know. Taproot are the perfect antidote to Rap metal at a time when music needs them. Make this CD part of your collection. NOW!

Check out www.taprootmusic.com