Anno 1696 Explained

Anno 1696
Type:	studio
Artist:	Insomnium
Cover:	Insomnium - Anno 1696.png
Recorded:	2022
Studio:	Sonic Pump Studios (Helsinki, Finland) Teemu Aalto Music Productions (Kotka, Finland)
Genre:	Melodic death metal^[1]
Length:	50:26
Label:	Century Media
Prev Title:	Heart Like a Grave
Prev Year:	2019

Anno 1696 is the ninth studio album by Finnish melodic death metal band Insomnium, released on 24 February 2023 via Century Media.^[2] Insomnium began working on the album shortly before the release of Argent Moon, in 2021, with the album originally planned to be released in 2022.^[3] Like their 2016 album Winter's Gate, the album is based on a short story by vocalist/bassist Niilo Sevänen, first hinted on October 24, 2022, less than two weeks before the album's official announcement.^[4] It is the final release to feature guitarist Jani Liimatainen.^[5]

Release and promotion

In April 2023, the band embarked on a North American tour to promote Anno 1696, together with Enslaved, whose album Heimdal released a week after the release of Anno 1696, with support from Black Anvil.^[6]

Personnel

Insomnium

• Niilo Sevänen – bass, lead vocals
• Ville Friman – guitars
• Markus Vanhala – guitars, clean vocals
• Jani Liimatainen – guitars, clean vocals
• Markus Hirvonen – drums

Additional musician

• Sakis Tolis – guest vocals (track 2)
• Johanna Kurkela – guest vocals (track 3)
• Coen Janssen – keyboards

Production and design

• Insomnium – production
• Teemu Aalto – recording (acoustic guitars, bass, vocals)
• Jaime Gomez Arellano – recording (drums, acoustic guitars), mixing
• Coen Janssen – recording (keyboards)
• Ville Friman – recording (electric guitars)
• Markus Vanhala – recording (electric guitars)
• Jani Liimatainen – recording (electric guitars)
• Tony Lindgren – mastering
• Sami Makkonen – artwork
• Terhi Ylimäinen – photography
• hafensatz.de – layout

Charts

Chart (2023)! scope="col"

Peak position
Australian Digital Albums (ARIA)^[7]	38

Notes and References

1. Web site: Daniel Cordava. The Weekly Injection: New Releases From Insomnium, Godsmack & More Out Today 2/24. Metal Injection. February 25, 2023. February 24, 2023.
2. News: 2023 Hard Rock + Metal Album Release Calendar. Loudwire. 24 February 2023. 25 February 2023.
3. Web site: Insomnium - To Release Ninth Studio Album Next Year. Metal Storm. August 8, 2021. August 8, 2021.
4. Web site: Greg Kennelty. Looks Like Insomnium Is Teasing The Plot To A New Album. Metal Injection. February 25, 2023. October 24, 2022.
5. Web site: Keenan . Hesher . Insomnium Address Guitarist Jani Liimatainen's Absence . MetalSucks . 16 February 2024 . en . 16 February 2024.
6. News: Enslaved Announces 2023 North American Co-Headlining Tour With Insomnium. Blabbermouth.net. 14 December 2022. 25 February 2023.
7. The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 6 March 2023. The ARIA Report. Australian Recording Industry Association. 1722. 10. 6 March 2023.