Nocturnus

American technical death metal band

Nocturnus was an influential American death metal band known for incorporating elements of science fiction and the occult into their music. Formed in 1987 in Tampa, Florida, a city renowned for its vibrant death metal scene, Nocturnus was one of the first bands to integrate keyboards into the genre, giving them a distinctive sound. The band's debut album, "The Key," released in 1990, is often cited as a pioneering work in technical and progressive death metal. Nocturnus disbanded in 1993 after releasing their second album "Thresholds" but reformed later with lineup changes and released "Ethereal Tomb" in 1999. The band's career has been marked by several hiatuses and lineup changes, with founder and drummer/vocalist Mike Browning being the only constant member until his departure. The band's innovative approach to death metal has earned them a place in the genre's history, influencing many bands that followed.