Editing Extol (section)

===1993–1999: Formation and ''Burial''===
Extol was formed in [[Bekkestua]], Norway by cousins drummer [[David Husvik]] and guitarist [[Christer Espevoll]], who were both 16 at the time.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/Extol-Dec2003.htm|title=Metal-Rules.com: Interview with Christer Espevoll of Extol|website=www.metal-rules.com|access-date=18 April 2016}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/music/Extol_Norwegian_hard_music_band_present_the_church_of_noise/8488/p1/|title=Extol: Norwegian hard music band present the church of noise - Extol|website=www.crossrhythms.co.uk|access-date=18 April 2016}}</ref> The two had jammed together since fall 1993 and wanted to start a band. Christer's brother [[Peter Espevoll|Peter]], 14 was recruited for vocal duties.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /> Bassist Eystein Holm joined on 17 May 1994 as the band was rehearsing for a show that day.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /> In an interview, Peter explained the band's name: "Extol means to exalt, to lift up what you give glory to, and that's what's we're all about. We want to give God all the glory with our lives and with our music."<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Lloyd |first=Shari |date=July 1999 |title=A Feature Article by The Phantom Tollbooth |url=http://www.tollbooth.org/features/extol99.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010306155207/http://www.tollbooth.org/features/extol99.html |archive-date=March 6, 2001 |access-date=18 April 2016 |website=The Phantom Tollbooth}}</ref> Extol wanted to expand their musical style beyond regular [[heavy metal music]]—according to [[AllMusic]] writer Mike DaRonco, the band intended to show "more of a [[progressive metal|progressive side]]; rather than a typical run of the mill group of burnouts who focused more on their image."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/extol-mn0000152515/biography|title=Extol {{!}} Biography & History {{!}} AllMusic|website=AllMusic|access-date=18 April 2016}}</ref> The style change necessitated another guitarist, a position [[Emil Nikolaisen]] of the band Royal filled in 1995.<ref name=":3" />

The group soon garnered a reputation in the local scene. In January 1996, Extol made their first record appearance on a Norwegian metal compilation called ''Northern Lights''. The album featured other local Christian artists [[Antestor]], [[Schaliach]], and Groms. [[Steve Rowe]] of Australian Christian metal band [[Mortification (band)|Mortification]] released the compilation on his record label, [[Rowe Productions]]. The band ventured to [[Stockholm]], Sweden two months later for their first show outside their homeland. At the end of 1996, Nikolaisen departed so he could devote more time to Royal, and was replaced by [[Ole Børud]] of Schaliach and Arnold B Family.<ref name=":3" />

In 1997, Extol released an independent three-song demo: ''Embraced''. A studio album was recorded at the end of the year even though a record label had not signed them. Almost a year passed before Endtime Productions picked up the band. Their debut album, ''[[Burial (Extol album)|Burial]]'', was released in December 1998. The album was licensed in the United States on [[Solid State Records]], and in Japan on [[Avalon Records]]. Critical reception was very positive from Christian and secular publications. DaRonco commented that it was "a breath of fresh air among a genre that relies on satanic gimmicks."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/burial-mw0000046278|title=Burial - Extol {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits {{!}} AllMusic|website=AllMusic|access-date=18 April 2016}}</ref>

Shortly after, the band played their first shows in the US at [[Cornerstone Festival]] and Texas Rockfest. Extol conducted a four-week tour with Swedish rock band [[Blindside (band)|Blindside]] in summer 1999. An EP, ''[[Mesmerized (Extol album)|Mesmerized]]'', was released in November. It featured three remixed tracks from ''Burial'', which were reworked by Swedish [[Industrial music|industrial]] groups [[Raison d'être (band)|Raison d'être]] and [[Sanctum (band)|Sanctum]], and three other songs; a recently recorded one, an outtake, and a track from the Japanese release. The reception from fans was generally negative. Holm soon left the band and was replaced by [[Tor Magne Glidje]], who played guitar in the Norwegian metal band [[Lengsel]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=http://www.centurymedia.com/artist.aspx?IdArtist=17|title=Century Media Records - Extol|website=www.centurymedia.com|access-date=18 April 2016|archive-date=26 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426153532/http://www.centurymedia.com/artist.aspx?IdArtist=17|url-status=dead}}</ref>