Nocturnus was an influential American death metal band known for integrating elements of science fiction and the supernatural into their music and lyrics, which made them unique in the metal scene of the late 80s and early 90s. Formed in 1987 by drummer/vocalist Mike Browning after his departure from another pioneering death metal act, Morbid Angel, Nocturnus stood apart from their peers by incorporating keyboards into their brutal sound, which was an uncommon choice for the genre at the time.

For aficionados of technical and progressive death metal, Nocturnus is often revered for their 1990 debut album, "The Key," which is widely considered a landmark record, blending thrash-inspired riffs with dark sci-fi themes. They followed up with "Thresholds" in 1992, further exploring the space where heavy, aggressive music and atmospheric synth work converge. Although the band disbanded in 1993, they left a lasting legacy that continued to grow through reissues, such as the Full Dynamic Range Editions of their seminal works, and posthumous releases like "Ethereal Tomb" in 1999. Their work, notably "The Key," remains a touchstone for the progressive and technical metal subgenres, influencing countless musicians with their otherworldly sound and creative ambition.

Genres

Brutal Death Metal

Death Metal

Deathgrind

Florida Death Metal

Sci-fi Metal

Technical Death Metal

Thrash Metal

Latest Release

Smooth Clouds

Nocturnus

Album - 15 Tracks - Released February 20, 2022