It's hard to be original these days. About every form of metal has been invented already. Yet, Rootwater wants us to believe they invented something new. They profile themselves as an alternative metal band with folk metal influences. So what's new about that? It's just... different. Rootwater are from Poland and were formed in 2002. They're already on their fourth album. A decent production rate, I must say. You can't take that away from them.On this new album they really try hard to blend in as many genres as possible, while still maintaining their own sound. It’s rather thrash metal than alternative metal, with elements of folk. The comparisons to the likes of System of a Down and Faith No More that were made in the past, are not really correct. The experimental drift of Mike Patton is present, but never do they sound like Faith No More and System of a Down has way too many tempo shifts to justify Rootwater's comparison to them. The incorporation of brass instruments doesn't really convince me in thinking these guys are trendsetters. It's all pretty eclectic, but that doesn't mean their brand of crossover metal is renewing. The only thing that really made me start thinking is the different languages used by vocalist Taff. English (with a slight accent unfortunately), Hebrew and Polish are the languages that Taff uses to provide Rootwater’s eclectic music with vocals. Vocals reaching from clean vocals, to James Hetfield-like snarling, to Messhuggah-ish barking. Ironically, I like the accessible songs on this platter way more than the complex or heavy ones. Songs like Living in the Cage, Closer and Realize really save the album for me. The daft intro and the - redundant filler named - Freedom, which obviously is an attempt of a band trying to come across as being eccentric, are songs I could do without.So does the album title, Visionism do any justice to the music on offer? Not really. They probably had visions, but they are no visionaries. What actually is good about this album, except for the songs I mentioned, is the artwork. Very fitting artwork and what a great band logo! Generally speaking however, it's all not that great. At best, they are great at making musical stews. Tasty, but nothing you haven't tasted before.This is announced as the Polish System Of A Down with folk influences; a combination I can hardly imagine. Besides I have to admit that I have never been a huge System Of A Down fan. In the line-up of Rootwater one can find bassist Heinrich from Vesania (yes, this band once came up with an album I liked) and vocalist Taff sings also in Black River (reviewed last month). The Polish scene brims with accomplished musicians and I firstly want to state that ‘Visionism’ is made by first class musicians who are very skilful at their instruments. These guys are no beginners; they released a couple of albums before and they supported bands like Slayer, Celtic Frost, Kreator and Sepultura.On ‘Visionism’ the utmost of different styles is blend. It starts with an intro that could have been on a progressive rock album. However, dynamic, groove-laden modern thrash riffs are the backbone of this album. Vocals of Taff are a bit evocative of System Of A Down, that’s true: a modern first class shouter, but also mastering a mellifluent, drawling voice. In between he adds some low-pitched Zappa-alike proclaims. A few songs have harmony vocals too. It is a kind of “protest metal” with catchy choruses from time to time. But there are many details that do not appeal to me, like: a rapper’s delight part and horns in ‘Frozenthal’, slimy vocals and a disco beat in the vein of Barry White in ‘Freedom’ (bagpipes in the background). ‘Timeless’ is a primeval scream of hardly one minute. Short and powerful, like selling merchandises on the market. Funk and “scratch on vinyl” deejays. Don’t we hate that? Well, ‘Realize’ reminds me of it. Way too much iterations and samplers. A bit industrial as well. ‘Follow The Spirit’ is oriental, with sitar and acoustic guitars plus string arrangements. ‘Alive’ kicks off with a capricious bass solo, followed by heavy riffs (sometimes very Machine Head-allied), later on a high-pitch voice and in this respect I think of Pain Of Salvation. ‘The Ministry’ is a heavy thrash track. As contrast we find ourselves in the ballroom during the next song. Loads of effects and again horn section’s blowing. The frolicking ‘Under The Mask’ verges most of all to Sepultura. But there are sweet vocals as well. After another heavy song with screaming and shouting vocals, a kind of bluesy guitar solo is next, again an energetic thrash part and as bonus we have a danceable track (waltz, reggae) with trumpets.Those who think to be able to fathom this unbelievable mishmash; they should buy ‘Visionism’ of Rootwater. Some people might hate it, but I expect some reviews with superlatives as well, just because it is very daring and unusual. It does not leave me with a good feeling.Tracklist:01. Intro02. Venture03. Living in the Cage04. Closer05. Frozenthal06. Freedom07. Timeless08. Realize09. Follow the Spirit10. Alive11. The Ministry12. Steiner13. Under the Mask14. Visionism15. Haydamaka