1996 - 30th Year Anniversary

By 1996 I had already been into the Extreme Metal-scene since the late 80’s/early 90’s and it was a year that continued to deliver albums that have stood against the test of times. Even 30 years later many of these albums are amongst my favorites and still get played frequently.

For this article I went through my personal collection of CD’s that I bought back in those days. And, yes back in those days I bought hell of a lot of albums. The prices were OK, but even for a teen with no real income I am still confused how I managed to buy so much albums? But, it is still nothing compared to to todays insanity!

Here is my 1996 based on my personal collection:

(There are some albums missing that will be added shortly)

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A Canorous Quintet – ”Silence of The World Beyond” (No Fashion Records)
Release: 2 December

My first contact with this band was when they went as a Quartet, but  they did become better as a Quintet. ”Silence of The World Beyond” is an album filled with everything that a ”True fan” of Swedish Melodic Death Metal loves.

https://youtu.be/wHpQ9iMb0T4

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Abigor – ”Opus IV” (Napalm Records)
Release: 29 July

What a classic band from Austria. They held the flame burning ever since the debut album in 1994. Even at their ”lows”, the quality is superb.

Listen: https://youtu.be/t8ofqrIBBLI

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Allegiance – ”Hymn till Hangagud” (No Fashion Records)
Release: 1996

The debut from this Viking/Black Metal band ,with ties to Marduk, is still my favourite from the band. A band that sadly did not really get the attention that they deserved.

Listen: https://youtu.be/W7OD43jUhFk

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Amorphis – ”Elegy” (Spinefarm Records)
Release: 14 May

This was the debut for Pasi Koskinen as vocalist and he stepped up the game a bit compared to earlier albums (even though ”Tales from the Thousand Lakes” is a true classic). ”Elegy” shows a more progressive side of Amorphis.

Listen: https://youtu.be/JsMt2Egmdr4

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Ancient Wisdom – ”For Snow Covered The Northland” (Avantgarde Music)
Release: 4 July

When I got my hands on the ”In The Eye of The Serpent” demo back in 1993 it changed my life forever. Ever since that day I have considered Ancient Wisdom as the greatest band in the world. There is no band in existence that has managed to copy the sound of Ancient Wisdom – truly making them one of a kind.

Listen: https://youtu.be/HHgw2oPGgDY

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Angelcorpse – ”Hammer of Gods” (Osmose Productions)
Release: 31 October

Debut from this classic US Black/Death Metal band. Unrelentless and still as valid as 30 years ago. (Promo CD pictured)

Listen: https://youtu.be/kUlfoTwzNYc