The band came to national prominence in mid-1996 when they provided the support for (Children On) Stun on most of their July "Mondo Weird" Tour. That year, they gigged also with Rosetta Stone, Midnight Configuration, The Second Coming Of Sins Of The Flesh (for whom Peter has guested on guitar), Judith, The Horatii, and Manuskript. Libitina also appeared in Mick Mercer's 1996 book, The Hex Files 2. In August 1996, the band went into Priority Studios, Sheffield, to record their first album.

Libitina unleashed their debut CD, "A Closer Communion", in February 1997 to coincide with a live appearance in Sheffield, supporting The Horatii at Epitaph. The CD launch only just went to plan, with Pete receiving the consignment on the morning of the gig! "A Closer Communion" was received with considerable acclaim, by press and public alike. Indeed, the album was voted joint best album of 1997 by the readers of uk.people.gothic. Produced by Stephen Singleton, one of the founder members of ABC, 'A Closer Communion' has been played in clubs and on radio shows throughout the world. 1997 proved to be a good year for Libitina, with them playing at The Whitby Gothic Weekend Part I, where they appeared on the same bill as James Ray Gangwar and The Dream Disciples. Libitina followed this up by providing tour support for All Living Fear on much of their Minimum Resistance 2 ("Peri-grin-ay-shon") Tour. Their debut London appearance was made in August at The Sacrosanct Festival 2 at The Astoria 2. In the latter part of 1997, the band supported The Marionettes in Leeds and Altered States (renamed Euphoria at that point) in London. Libitina also headlined at Dublin's The Tower at the end of October, their first trip overseas.

In March 1998, the band teamed up with The Dream Disciples for four dates of their Easter Black Bunny UK Tour. Their debut performance in mainland Europe was made at the end the end of April, headlining a festival in Forlė, northern Italy. During this period, the band's profile worldwide was increased further by a number of compilation appearances (including Nightbreed's "New Alternatives 4", PHD's "Darkend The Gothic Rock Compilation Volume 2", and Nova Tekk's "Hex Files The Goth Bible Volume 3") with songs taken from "A Closer Communion".