My favourite albums from 1996

30

No Code

Pearl Jam
Alternative rock | Art rock
1. Sometimes
2. Hail, Hail
3. Who You Are
4. In My Tree
5. Smile
6. Off He Goes ●
7. Habit
8. Red Mosquito
9. Lukin
10. Present Tense
11. Mankind
12. I'm Open
13. Around the Bend
Taking a sharp turn away from mainstream expectations, No Code finds Pearl Jam experimenting with looser, more introspective songwriting. Tracks like "Who You Are" introduce Eastern influences, while "Off He Goes" showcases Eddie Vedder's reflective lyricism. It remains an underappreciated gem from their discography.
29

Wiseblood

Corrosion of Conformity
Stoner rock | Southern metal
1. King of the Rotten
2. Long Whip / Big America
3. Wiseblood ●
4. Goodbye Windows
5. Born Again for the Last Time
6. Drowning in a Daydream
7. The Snake Has No Head
8. The Door
9. Man or Ash
10. Redemption City
11. Wishbone (Some Tomorrow)
12. Fuel
13. Bottom Feeder (el que como abajo)
A thunderous blend of Southern rock swagger and sludge metal grit, Wiseblood built upon Corrosion of Conformity's groove-laden sound. Featuring guest vocals from Metallica's James Hetfield on "Man or Ash," the album delivered bluesy, hard-hitting riffs on tracks like "Drowning in a Daydream" and "King of the Rotten."
28

The Gray Race

Bad Religion
Punk rock
1. The Gray Race
2. Them and Us
3. A Walk
4. Parallel
5. Punk Rock Song ●
6. Empty Causes
7. Nobody Listens
8. Pity the Dead
9. Spirit Shine
10. The Streets of America
11. Ten in 2010
12. Victory
13. Drunk Sincerity
14. Come Join Us
15. Cease
With The Gray Race Bad Religion reclaim their position at the top of the melodic punk rock pedestal, blazing a trail that allowed the genre to become a mainstream mainstay. Tracks like "A Walk" and "Punk Rock Song" deliver fast, infectious hooks while tackling themes of alienation and societal decay. If for nothing else, The Gray Race reinforce their status as punk's intellectual powerhouse.
27

To the Faithful Departed

The Cranberries
Alternative rock
1. Hollywood ●
2. Salvation
3. When You're Gone
4. Free to Decide
5. War Child
6. Forever Yellow Skies
7. The Rebels
8. Intermission
9. I Just Shot John Lennon
10. Electirc Blue
11. I'm Still Remembering
12. Will you Remember?
13. Joe
14. Cordell
15. Bosnia
To the Faithful Departed tackles political and social issues headfirst, eschewing some of the dreamy alt-rock of their previous albums. Tracks like "Salvation" take an aggressive stance against drug abuse, while "Bosnia" reflects on war and suffering. Though not as universally loved as some of their earlier work, the album blends activism with emotional songwriting to great effect.
26

Velvet Darkness They Fear

Theatre of Tragedy
Gothic metal | Death-doom
1. Velvet Darkness They Fear
2. Fair and 'Guiling Copesmate Death
3. Bring Forth Ye Shadow
4. Seraphic Deviltry
5. And When He Falleth
6. Der Tanz der Schatten ●
7. Black as the Devil Painteth
8. On Whom the Moon Doth Shine
9. The Masquerader and Phoenix
Refining the "beauty and the beast" vocal style, Velvet Darkness They Fear is a gothic metal milestone. Liv Kristine's ethereal soprano contrasts with Raymond Rohonyi's deep growls, creating a darkly romantic atmosphere. Songs like "A Hamlet for a Slothful Vassal" and "And When He Falleth" blends Victorian poetry with heavy, melancholic instrumentation, setting a blueprint for countless gothic and symphonic metal albums to come.
25

Boys for Pele

Tori Amos
Baroque pop | Alternative rock
1. Beauty Queen / Horses
2. Blood Roses
3. Father Lucifer
4. Professional Widow ●
5. Mr. Zebra
6. Marianne
7. Caught a Lite Sneeze
8. Muhammad My Friend
9. Hey Jupiter
10. Way Down
11. Little Amsterdam
12. Talula
13. Nor the Red Baron
14. Agent Orange
15. Doughnut Song
16. In the Springtime of His Voodoo
17. Putting the Damage on
18. Twinkle
Boys for Pele is one of Tori Amos' most ambitious and unfiltered work, weaving harpsichords, confessional lyrics, and mythological references into a deeply personal exploration of heartbreak and empowerment. Tracks like "Caught a Lite Sneeze" and "Hey Jupiter" showcase her a raw vulnerability, while "Professional Widow" oozes sex. It's bold, uncompromising, and deeply intriguing.
24

Purpendicular

Deep Purple
Hard rock
1. Vavoom: Ted the Mehcanic ●
2. Loosen My Strings
3. Soon Forgotten
4. Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming
5. Cascades: I'm Not Your Lover
6. The Aviator
7. Rosa's Cantina
8. A Castle Full of Rascals
9. A Touch Away
10. Hey Cisco
11. Somebody Stole My Guitar
12. The Purpendicular Waltz
Marking a new chapter for Deep Purple, Purpendicular introduced guitarist Steve Morse, whose technical prowess adds a fresh dynamic to the band's sound. Tracks like "Vavoom: Ted the Mechanic" and "Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming" demonstrate a mix of hard rock energy and progressive experimentation. The album proves that, even decades into their career, Deep Purple can still innovate and captivate.
23

Revival

Gillian Welch
Bluegrass | Folk | Country
1. Orphan Girl
2. Annabelle ●
3. Pass You by
4. Barroom Girls
5. One More Dollar
6. By the Mark
7. Paper Wings
8. Tear My Silhouette Down
9. Acony Bell
10. Only One and Only
Stripping folk music down to its roots, Revival is an exercise in raw, unfiltered storytelling. Gillian Welch's delicate vocals and sparse arrangements, especially on tracks like "Orphan Girl" and "One More Dollar," evoke the ghost of classic Americana. It's a deeply authentic album that brings that nostalgic sound to the modern era and lifts it to new heights.
22

Paegan Terrorism Tactics

Acid Bath
Sludge metal
1. Paegan Love Song
2. Bleed Me an Ocean
3. Graveflower ●
4. Diäb Soulé
5. Locust Spawning
6. Old Skin
7. New Death Sensation
8. Venus Blue
9. 13 Fingers
10. New Corpse
11. Dead Girl
A swampy, psychedelic mix of sludge metal and gothic poetry, Paegan Terrorism Tactics saw Acid Bath refine their chaotic sound into something even more haunting. Dax Riggs' haunting vocals added an eerie beauty to songs like "Graveflower," while "Bleed Me an Ocean" highlighted their unique fusion of brutality and melody. Tragically, the band's career was cut short after bassist Audie Pitre's death, making this album their last, and a cult classic in extreme metal.
21

Brave Murder Day

Katatonia
Death-doom | Gothic metal
1. Brave
2. Murder
3. Day ●
4. Rainroom
5. 12
6. Endtime
On Brave Murder Day, Katatonia perfected their blend of doom and death metal, crafting an album drenched in sorrow and despair. Featuring Mikael Åkerfeldt of Opeth on harsh vocals, tracks like "Day" and "Rainroom" exuded a cold, hypnotic atmosphere. The album marked a transition toward the band's later gothic rock sound while retaining the bleakness of their early work.
20

Mi Kubbesi

Nekropsi
Jazz-fusion | Progressive rock
1. Crying Game ●
2. Fok
3. Efsane
4. Çarşı
5. 94 Kor
6. Derinlik
7. Dımlı Mı
8. Lim
9. Hindu
10. Çarklar
11. Ateis
12. Göç
13. Kubbealtı
14. Yollar
15. Son
16. 41
Hailing from Turkey, Nekropsi's Mi Kubbesi is an avant-garde metal masterpiece that defies easy classification. Combining elements of progressive rock, thrash, and Anatolian folk music, the album creates a hypnotic, rhythm-driven experience. With its intricate instrumental work and minimal vocals, Mi Kubbesi remains a cult favorite among fans of experimental metal.
19

Evil Empire

Rage Against the Machine
Rap metal | Alternative metal
1. People of the Sun
2. Bulls on Parade ●
3. Vietnow
4. Snakecharmer
5. Tire Me
6. Down Rodeo
7. Without a Face
8. Wind Below
9. Roll Right
10. Year of the Boomerang
Fueled by political fury, Evil Empire was a blistering follow-up to Rage Against the Machine's debut. Zack de la Rocha's incendiary lyrics took aim at imperialism and economic injustice, while Tom Morello's innovative guitar effects made songs like "Bulls on Parade" and "People of the Sun" instant anthems. The album cemented the band's status as one of the most politically charged acts in rock history, inspiring activism alongside mosh pits.
18

Gone Again

Patti Smith
Art rock | Art punk
1. Gone Again
2. Beneath the Southern Cross
3. About a Boy
4. My Madrigal
5. Summer Cannibals
6. Dead to the World
7. Wing
8. Ravens
9. Wicked MEssenger
10. Fireflies ●
11. Farewell Reel
Returning after a long hiatus marked by personal losses, Gone Again is one of Patti Smith's most introspective albums, infused with themes of grief and resilience. Tracks like "About a Boy," a tribute to Kurt Cobain, and "Beneath the Southern Cross," featuring Jeff Buckley, showcase her poetic depth and emotional intensity. The haunting title track and the elegiac "My Madrigal" contrast with the raw energy of "Summer Cannibals," a nod to her punk roots. Though less revolutionary than Horses, Gone Again stands as a deeply moving testament to Smith's artistry and strength.
17

Crimson

Edge of Sanity
Progressive death metal | Death death metal
1. Crimson ●
A singular achievement in death metal, Crimson was a 40-minute, single-track concept album that told the story of a dystopian future where humanity faces extinction. Dan Swanö's masterful songwriting allowed the piece to shift seamlessly between crushing death metal, progressive passages, and melodic interludes. The album's ambitious structure and dynamic storytelling set it apart, making it one of the most revered progressive death metal records of all time.
16

Elegy

Amorphis
Progressive metal | Folk metal
1. Better Unborn
2. Against Windows
3. The Orphan
4. On Rich and Poor
5. My Kantele
6. Cares
7. Song of the Troubled One
8. Weeper on the Shore
9. Elegy
10. Relief
11. My Kantele (Acoustic Reprise) ●
With Elegy, Amorphis took a bold step toward progressive metal, incorporating clean vocals and folk influences into their death metal roots. Drawing from Finnish mythology, the album blended lush keyboards and intricate guitar work, with tracks like "Against Widows" and "My Kantele" showcasing their evolving sound. This shift helped the band transcend the boundaries of extreme metal, appealing to a broader audience while retaining their signature melancholic atmosphere.
15

The Jester Race

In Flames
Melodic death metal
1. Moonshield ●
2. The Jester's Dance
3. Artifacts of the Black Rain
4. Graveland
5. Lord Hypnos
6. Dead Eternity
7. The Jester Race
8. December Flower
9. Watfaerer
10. Dead God in Me
Melodic death metal found one of its defining albums in The Jester Race, a record that blended Gothenburg-style aggression with soaring harmonized leads. Tracks like "Moonshield" and "Artifacts of the Black Rain" demonstrated In Flames' ability to craft melodic yet powerful compositions, paving the way for the genre's explosion in the late 90s and early 2000s. The album's influence can still be heard in countless modern metal bands.
14

Sackcloth 'n' Ashes

16 Horsepower
Gothic Americana
1. I Seen What I Saw
2. Black Soul Choir ●
3. Haw
4. Scrawled in Sap
5. Horse Head
6. Ruthie Lingle
7. Harm's Way
8. Black Bush
9. Heel on the Shovel
10. American Wheeze
11. Red Neck Reel
12. Prison Shoe Romp
13. Neck on the New Blade
14. Storng Man
Blending gothic Americana with fire-and-brimstone lyricism, Sackcloth 'n' Ashes was a haunting debut from 16 Horsepower. With David Eugene Edwards' trembling voice and biblical imagery, tracks like "Black Soul Choir" and "Haw" carried an eerie, almost apocalyptic energy. The album's fusion of folk, blues, and gothic elements created a unique sound that set the band apart, influencing later dark folk acts like Wovenhand and Those Poor Bastards.
13

Through Silver and Blood

Neurosis
Post-metal | Sludge metal
1. Through Silver and Blood
2. Rehumanize
3. Eye
4. Purify
5. Locust Star ●
6. Strength of Fates
7. Become the Ocean
8. Aeon
9. Enclosure in Flame
A colossal force in the post-metal genre, Through Silver and Blood combined crushing heaviness with hypnotic repetition and eerie atmospheres. The album's slow-building intensity and industrial elements created a suffocating sense of dread, making it a landmark in experimental metal. Neurosis' ability to blend sludge, ambient, and tribal rhythms on tracks like "Locust Star" paved the way for bands like Isis and Cult of Luna.
12

None So Wile

Cryptopsy
Technical death metal
1. Crown of Horns
2. Slit Your Guts
3. Graves of the Fathers
4. Dead and Dripping
5. Benedictine Convulsions
6. Phobophile ●
7. Lichmistress
8. Orgisatic Disembowelment
Brutality reached new heights with None So Vile, an album that redefined technical death metal. Flo Mounier's inhuman drumming, coupled with Lord Worm's guttural growls, made songs like "Slit Your Guts" some of the most intense ever recorded. The album's blend of relentless speed and complex compositions influenced an entire generation of extreme metal bands, securing its place as a genre-defining masterpiece.
11

Louder Than Hell

Manowar
Heavy metal | power metal
1. Return of the Warlord
2. Brothers of Metal Pt. 1 ●
3. The Gods Made Heavy Metal
4. Courage
5. Number 1
6. Outlaw
7. King
8. Today Is a Good Day to Die
9. My Spirit Lives on
10. Power
True to their reputation, Manowar's Louder Than Hell was a bombastic display of epic heavy metal, filled with warrior imagery and thunderous riffs. "Brothers of Metal Pt. 1" and "The Gods Made Heavy Metal" embodied their over-the-top aesthetic, while "Courage" showcased a rare ballad side of the band. Though often dismissed for their excessive bravado, Manowar maintained a fiercely loyal fanbase who embraced their unwavering dedication to classic metal.
10

Pinkerton

Weezer
Alternative rock | Power pop
1. Tired of Sex
2. Getchoo
3. No Other One
4. Why Bother?
5. Across the Sea
6. The Good Life
7. El Scorcho ●
8. Pink Triangle
9. Falling for You
10. Butterfly
Initially panned upon release, Pinkerton has since been hailed as one of the most emotionally raw and influential albums in alternative rock. Rivers Cuomo's deeply personal lyrics about loneliness, relationships, and insecurity were laid bare over abrasive guitars and unpolished production. Tracks like "El Scorcho" and "Across the Sea" felt painfully confessional, making Pinkerton a cult favorite that helped shape the future of emo and indie rock.
9

Down on the Upside

Soundgarden
Alternative metal | alternative rock
1. Pretty Noose
2. Rhinosaur
3. Zero Chance
4. Ty Cobb ●
5. Blow up the Outside World
6. Burden in My Hand
7. Never Named
8. Applebite
9. Never the Machine Forever
10. Tighter & Tighter
11. No Attention
12. Switch Opens
13. Overfloater
14. An Unkind
15. Boot Camp
In contrast to the monolithic heaviness of Superunknown, Down on the Upside found Soundgarden experimenting with psychedelic textures and introspective lyrics. Songs like "Blow Up the Outside World" reflected internal tensions within the band, which would soon lead to their breakup. Despite its more subdued moments, the album retained the band’s signature mix of odd time signatures and Chris Cornell's soaring vocals, serving as a fitting swan song before their first disbandment.
8

Morningrise

Opeth
Progressive death metal
1. Advent
2. The Night ad the Silent Water
3. Nectar
4. Black Rose Immortal
5. To Bid You Farewell ●
With Morningrise, Opeth took the progressive elements of their debut further, crafting five lengthy compositions that seamlessly blended folk, death metal, and melancholic acoustic passages. "Black Rose Immortal," clocking in at over 20 minutes, became their longest track to date. Mikael Åkerfeldt's ability to switch between growls and ethereal clean vocals helped solidify Opeth's reputation as one of the most innovative metal bands of the era.
7

Episode

Stratovarius
Power metal
1. Father Time
2. Will the Sun Rise?
3. Eternity
4. Episode
5. Speed of Light
6. Uncertainty
7. Season of Change
8. Stratosphere
9. Babylon
10. Tomorrow
11. Night Time Eclipse
12. Forever ●
A milestone in power metal, Episode marked a new era for Stratovarius with the introduction of drummer Jörg Michael and keyboardist Jens Johansson. The album refined their signature blend of neoclassical shredding and anthemic melodies, with tracks like "Father Time" and "Will the Sun Rise?" showcasing their rapid-fire precision. The soaring vocals and symphonic elements on Episode helped set the standard for modern European power metal.
6

Sublime

Sublime
Reggae rock | alternative rock
1. Garden Grove
2. What I Got
3. Wrong Way
4. Same in the End ●
5. April 29, 1992 (Miami)
6. Santeria
7. Seed
8. Jailhouse
9. Pawn Shop
10. Paddle out
11. The Battle of Johnny Butt
12. Burritos
13. Under My Voodoo
14. Get Ready
15. Caress Me down
16. What I Got (Reprise)
17. Doin' Time
Sublime’s self-titled album became a defining moment in 90s alternative music, blending punk, reggae, and hip-hop into an irresistible mix. Tragically, frontman Bradley Nowell died of a heroin overdose before its release, making tracks like "What I Got" and "Santeria" bittersweet anthems. The album's laid-back California vibe, combined with dark themes of addiction and self-destruction, gave it a cult status that has endured decades after its release.
5

New Adventures in Hi-Fi

R.E.M.
Alternative rock
1. How the West Was Wn and Where It Got Us
2. The Wake-up Bomb
3. New Test Leper
4. Undertow
5. E-Bow the Letter ●
6. Leave
7. Departure
8. Bittersweet Me
9. Be Mine
10. Binky the Doormat
11. Zither
12. So Fast, So Numb
13. Low Desert
14. Electrolite
Recorded while on tour, New Adventures in Hi-Fi captured the raw energy and spontaneity of R.E.M.'s live performances while maintaining their signature introspective lyricism. The album, often described as one of their darkest, was heavily influenced by exhaustion and life on the road, resulting in songs like "E-Bow the Letter" featuring Patti Smith. While it didn't match the commercial heights of its predecessors, it remains a favorite among fans for its moody atmosphere and experimental edge.
4

Load

Metallica
Heavy metal | hard rock
1. Ain't My Bitch
2. 2 X 4
3. The House Jack Built
4. Until It Sleeps
5. King Nothing
6. Hero of the Day
7. Bleeding Me ●
8. Cure
9. Poor Twisted Me
10. Wasting My Hate
11. Mama Said
12. Thorn Within
13. Ronnie
14. The Outlaw Torn
Leaving behind their thrash roots, Metallica embraced a bluesy, hard rock sound on Load, complete with shorter hair and a new visual aesthetic. Songs like "Until It Sleeps" and "King Nothing" leaned into a more radio-friendly approach, while "The Outlaw Torn" showcased their knack for expansive, emotional songwriting. Though some fans felt betrayed by the shift, the album demonstrated the band's willingness to evolve rather than stagnate. Load remains one of Metallica's most polarizing works, but also a testament to their adaptability.
3

Murder Ballads

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
Gothic rock | alternative rock
1. Song of Joy
2. Stagger Lee
3. Henry Lee ●
4. Lovely Creature
5. Where the Wild Roses Grow
6. The Curse of Millhaven
7. The Kindness of Strangers
8. Crow Jane
9. O'Malley's Bar
10. Death Is Not the End
True to its name, Murder Ballads is a chilling yet poetic collection of songs exploring death, crime, and violence, all delivered with Nick Cave’s trademark storytelling. Featuring collaborations with PJ Harvey and Kylie Minogue, the album juxtaposed gruesome narratives with hauntingly beautiful melodies. "Where the Wild Roses Grow," a duet with Minogue, became one of Cave’s most recognizable songs, bringing his dark, literary songwriting to a broader audience. The album remains a high point in gothic folk, blending horror and romance in a way only Cave could.
2

Roots

Sepultura
Groove metal
1. Roots Bloody Roots
2. Attitude
3. Cut-Throat
4. Ratamahatta ●
5. Breed Apart
6. Straighthate
7. Spit
8. Lookaway
9. Dusted
10. Born Stubborn
11. Jasco
12. Itsári
13. Ambush
14. Endangered Species
15. Dictatorshit
16. Canyon Jam
Roots was a groundbreaking fusion of groove metal and Brazilian tribal influences, marking Sepultura's final album with frontman Max Cavalera. Inspired by their time with the Xavante indigenous tribe, the album incorporated traditional percussion and chanting, most notably in "Ratamahatta" and the iconic title track. It also served as a precursor to the nu-metal movement, influencing bands like Slipknot and Korn. Despite its success, Roots was also a turning point, as internal tensions led to Max's departure, forever altering Sepultura's trajectory.
1

Ænima

Tool
Alternative metal | progressive metal
1. Stinkfist
2. Eulogy
3. H.
4. Useful Idiot
5. Forty Six & 2 ●
6. Message to Harry Manback
7. Hooker with a Penis
8. Intermission
9. jimmy
10. Die Eier von Satan
11. Pushit
12. Cesaro Summability
13. Ænema
14. (-) Ions
15. Third Eye
With Ænima, Tool pushed the boundaries of alternative metal, blending complex time signatures, philosophical themes, and atmospheric interludes into a sound that defied easy categorization. The album, heavily influenced by comedian Bill Hicks, tackled themes of personal evolution, societal decay, and the esoteric ideas of psychologist Carl Jung. Songs like "Stinkfist" and "Forty Six & 2" showcased intricate musicianship, while the title track fantasized about Los Angeles being swallowed by the ocean. Ænima cemented Tool as a band willing to challenge both musical norms and their audience's perceptions.

My favourite albums from 1996

No Code

Tracks:

Wiseblood

Tracks:

The Gray Race

Tracks:

To the Faithful Departed

Tracks:

Velvet Darkness They Fear

Tracks:

Boys for Pele

Tracks:

Purpendicular

Tracks:

Revival

Tracks:

Paegan Terrorism Tactics

Tracks:

Brave Murder Day

Tracks:

Mi Kubbesi

Tracks:

Evil Empire

Tracks:

Gone Again

Tracks:

Crimson

Tracks:

Elegy

Tracks:

The Jester Race

Tracks:

Sackcloth 'n' Ashes

Tracks:

Through Silver and Blood

Tracks:

None So Wile

Tracks:

Louder Than Hell

Tracks:

Pinkerton

Tracks:

Down on the Upside

Tracks:

Morningrise

Tracks:

Episode

Tracks:

Sublime

Tracks:

New Adventures in Hi-Fi

Tracks:

Load

Tracks:

Murder Ballads

Tracks:

Roots

Tracks:

Ænima

Tracks: