Imagine a winter landscape in Sweden, where the twilight light casts a serene yet haunting glow over the icy expanse. In 1999, six EPs captured the essence of this frozen realm, delivering extreme metal enthusiasts an experience steeped in frosty ambiance and Nordic ferocity.
1. "Hecatomb" by Repugnant
Released, on October 23rd, 1999, Repugnant's debut EP, Hecatomb, is a cornerstone of the old-school death metal genre. This limited-edition release quickly gained a cult following for its chaotic and uncompromising sound. Despite its brevity, Hecatomb showcases the band's raw talent and influence on the subsequent death metal revival. The EP has been reissued several times over the years, solidifying its status as a classic in the underground metal scene.
2. "...Strike Upon You" by Chaos Feeds Life
Released November 1st, 1999, Strike upon You is the debut EP from Swedish metal band Chaos Feeds Life. This 16-minute release, issued by Loud 'n' Proud Records, showcases the band's unique blend of black, thrash, and heavy metal. With its dark, aggressive riffs and melodic elements, Strike upon You established Chaos Feeds Life as a prominent force in the late '90s underground metal scene.
3. "Bloodhunt" by Centinex
Released in June 1999, Bloodhunt is the third EP from Swedish death metal pioneers Centinex. Following their fourth full-length album, Reborn Through Flames, this 21-minute release, issued by Repulse Records, showcases Centinex's signature blend of unrelenting brutality and technical prowess. Bloodhunt cemented the band's position as a leading force in the Swedish death metal scene in the end of 90s.
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4. "Witchburner" by Witchery
Released in March 1999, Witchburner is the only EP by Swedish black/thrash metal band Witchery, following just months after their debut album Restless & Dead. Issued through Necropolis Records, the EP delivers a fierce blend of black, thrash, and speed metal, encapsulating the band's signature aggressive yet raw style, showcasing their ability to combine blistering speed with dark, thrashy riffs in a concise, hard-hitting package.
5. "The Ultimate Sacrifice" by Triumphator
Released on January 12th, 1999, The Ultimate Sacrifice is the first EP by Swedish black metal band Triumphator, setting the stage for their debut album Wings of Antichrist later that same year. Clocking in at 11 minutes and 40 seconds, the EP delivers pure, violent, and chaotic black metal, filled with blasphemous intensity. Issued by Mark of the Devil, this release captures Triumphator's raw and relentless approach.
6. "Eternal Emperor" by Crimson Moonlight
Released in January 1999, Eternal Emperor is the first EP by Swedish symphonic black metal band Crimson Moonlight. Self-produced and self-distributed, the EP runs for 18 minutes and 1 second across 5 tracks, showcasing the band's distinctive blend of symphonic and melodic black metal. With this debut, Crimson Moonlight quickly gained recognition for their atmospheric and melodic approach, standing out in the underground scene by blending fierce black metal elements with rich symphonic arrangements.
Overall, These six EPs released in 1999 represent a pivotal moment for the Swedish underground metal scene, showcasing a broad range of styles. From the brutal aggression of Repugnant and Centinex’s death metal to the dark and technical fusion of black, thrash, and heavy metal by Chaos Feeds Life and Witchery, each release helped shape the sound of the late '90s. Triumphator and Crimson Moonlight, with their respective violent and symphonic approaches to black metal, highlight the creative diversity of this era. These EPs were crucial in advancing their genres, solidifying Sweden as a cornerstone of extreme music worldwide.