Album: Thresholds by Nocturnus (1992)
Genre: Death Metal | Style: Metal
Format: Album

Artist Background: Nocturnus was an American progressive death metal band formed in Tampa, Florida in 1987 by drummer/vocalist Mike Browning (formerly of Morbid Angel). They were known for their science-fiction themed lyrics and use of keyboards, both of which were virtually unknown in extreme metal at the time. Although they were (and still are) relatively obscure, notable bands such as Necrophagist and Theory in Practice have cited Nocturnus as an influence. Part of the Tampa, Florida, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Death Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Atheist, Pestilence, Nocturnus AD, Morbid Angel

Music Scene: Part of the Tampa, Florida, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Death Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Death Metal, Metal, 1990s, Album

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Album: The Key by Nocturnus (1990)
Genre: Death Metal | Style: Metal
Format: Album

Description: The Key is the debut studio album from American technical death metal band Nocturnus. It was released on Earache Records on 1st October 1990.

A concept album, The Key is centered on an occult (the influence of drummer/vocalist Mike Browning) meets sci-fi (influenced by guitarist Mike Davis) theme. The story follows a cyborg who travels back in time to the year 0 B.C. to assassinate Jesus Christ which leads to the destruction of Christianity (highlighted by the controversial track "Destroying the Manger") and the creation of a modern empire.

In addition to their unusual lyrical content, the band employed the use of keyboards which was virtually unheard of at the time in the broader genre of death metal. The keyboards were generally used for song intros and more atmospheric purposes, however, and most of the album was based upon a more conventional guitar and drums approach, with Kam Lee of Massacre providing backing vocals.

Due to the increased complexity and experimentation, some have considered the release to be the first progressive death metal album.

Browning has claimed that he has not seen any royalties from either this album or its follow up since he was kicked out of the band, blaming both former band members and Earache Records.

Artist Background: Nocturnus was an American progressive death metal band formed in Tampa, Florida in 1987 by drummer/vocalist Mike Browning (formerly of Morbid Angel). They were known for their science-fiction themed lyrics and use of keyboards, both of which were virtually unknown in extreme metal at the time. Although they were (and still are) relatively obscure, notable bands such as Necrophagist and Theory in Practice have cited Nocturnus as an influence. Part of the Tampa, Florida, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Death Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Atheist, Pestilence, Nocturnus AD, Morbid Angel

Music Scene: Part of the Tampa, Florida, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Death Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Death Metal, Metal, 1990s, Album

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


The Key is the debut studio album from American technical death metal band Nocturnus. It was released on Earache Records on 1st October 1990.

A concept album, The Key is centered on an occult (the influence of drummer/vocalist Mike Browning) meets sci-fi (influenced by guitarist Mike Davis) theme. The story follows a cyborg who travels back in time to the year 0 B.C. to assassinate Jesus Christ which leads to the destruction of Christianity (highlighted by the controversial track "Destroying the Manger") and the creation of a modern empire.

In addition to their unusual lyrical content, the band employed the use of keyboards which was virtually unheard of at the time in the broader genre of death metal. The keyboards were generally used for song intros and more atmospheric purposes, however, and most of the album was based upon a more conventional guitar and drums approach, with Kam Lee of Massacre providing backing vocals.

Due to the increased complexity and experimentation, some have considered the release to be the first progressive death metal album.

Browning has claimed that he has not seen any royalties from either this album or its follow up since he was kicked out of the band, blaming both former band members and Earache Records.

Album: Ethereal Tomb by Nocturnus (2000)
Genre: Death Metal | Style: Metal
Format: Album

Artist Background: Nocturnus was an American progressive death metal band formed in Tampa, Florida in 1987 by drummer/vocalist Mike Browning (formerly of Morbid Angel). They were known for their science-fiction themed lyrics and use of keyboards, both of which were virtually unknown in extreme metal at the time. Although they were (and still are) relatively obscure, notable bands such as Necrophagist and Theory in Practice have cited Nocturnus as an influence. Part of the Tampa, Florida, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Death Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Related Artists: Atheist, Pestilence, Nocturnus AD, Morbid Angel

Music Scene: Part of the Tampa, Florida, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Death Metal movement. Known for Metal style.

Tags: Death Metal, Metal, 2000s, Album

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


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