Firstly 1996 had like, three good black metal albums and a lot of **** that was a direct result of metallica and pantera's, as well as the post-grunge and hardcore movement, which unfortunately was not at all living up to it's ancestors. 1996 was not a good year for rock, nor was it a good year for progressive rock, nor was it a good year for metal, and of course, all other genres are crab by default. That's why it's ridiculous to claim that 96 was a good year.
It's basically like saying your favourite year for Cabernet is one where it tasted like watered down cats piss endowed with antifreeze.