Ancient Pride, Necromantia -CD

Necromantia – Ancient Pride

Artist: Necromantia

Title: Ancient Pride

Format: CD / Mini-Album (Original Pressing)

Original Release Date: January 29, 1997

Label: Osmose Productions (Catalog: OPCD 048 / OPMCD 048)

Genre: Black Metal

Background & Production Ancient Pride is a seminal EP from the pioneers of the Greek black metal scene. Recorded and mixed between August and October 1996 at Sin Ena Studio in Athens, the album was produced by the band and Christos Hajistamou. Necromantia is famous for their unconventional lineup, notably featuring two 8-string basses instead of rhythm guitars, creating a thick, orchestral, and ritualistic sound. The front cover features a striking image titled "The Guard," used with permission from the Breker Museum in Germany.

Musical Composition & Style The EP is a perfect bridge between their classic Scarlet Evil, Witching Black era and their later, more experimental work.

• The "Bass" Sound: The absence of standard rhythm guitars gives the music a cavernous, heavy bottom end, complemented by Baron Blood’s virtuosic bass solos.

• Standout Tracks: The title track "Ancient Pride" and "Shaman" are atmospheric masterpieces that incorporate folk and classical influences into a black metal framework.

• The Manowar Cover: The EP features a unique cover of "Each Dawn I Die," reimagined with Necromantia’s signature dark, occult atmosphere.

• Occult Atmosphere: Includes classical guitar and flute work by Yannis "The Worshipper of Pan," adding a layer of Hellenic antiquity to the recording.

Original CD & Collector Notes As a release from the legendary Osmose Productions, there are several versions that collectors track closely.

• The First Press (Digipak): The "true" original (OPCD 048) was released as a 4-panel Digipak. Look for the Disctronics S matrix and the 1997 copyright date.

• The Greek Edition (Metal Invader): Also released in 1997 as a jewel case (Catalog: NR001) via the Greek magazine Metal Invader. This version is highly sought after because it features completely different cover art and the rare bonus track "Spiritforms of the Psychomancer."

• The Promo: A promo version was issued in a cardboard sleeve (OPMCD 048) which lacks the full artwork of the retail Digipak.

• 2005 Reissue: Released by Black Lotus Records as a remastered Digipak (BLRCD105). This version is distinct for including two bonus tracks: the aforementioned "Spiritforms of the Psychomancer" and a cover of Iron Maiden’s "The Number of the Beast."

• • Keywords: Necromantia, Ancient Pride, Original CD, 1997, Osmose Productions, Greek Black Metal, Baron Blood, Magus Wampyr Daoloth, Rare Metal CD.

  • Collection Ideas: Hellenic Black Metal Foundations, Osmose Productions Classics, 90s Black Metal EPs, Cult Metal Rarities.

  • Related Artists: Rotting Christ, Varathron, Thou Art Lord, Zemial, Agatus.

MINT - sealed

NM - likely never played - almost perfect

VG+ - light scuffs, light scratches wont effect play

VG -  signs of wear, light scratches you can feel

GOOD -  surface noise, visible groove wear

POOR / FAIR- some damage, causing issues like skipping & distorted audio

OIS - original inner sleeve