The Key (Nocturnus album)

The Key was the first full-length studio album from Florida, USA progressive death metal band, Nocturnus. It was released on Earache Records in 1990 and was followed by Thresholds two years later.

The Key, Nocturnus's debut, is actually a concept album centered around an Occult (the influence of drummer/vocalist Mike Browning) meets sci-fi (influenced by guitarist Mike Davis) theme. The story of the album follows a cyborg who goes back in time to the year 0 B.C. which eventually leads to the destruction of Christianity (highlighted by the controversial track "Destroying the Manger") and the creation of a modern empire. This is somewhat bizarre, but original; in addition to being musically true to metal, the concept of this album stood out in the extreme metal community.

In addition to their bizarre lyrical content, the band employed the use of keyboards which was virtually unheard of at the time in the broader genre of death metal, which prided itself in using "real" instruments. The keyboards were generally used for song intros and more atmospheric purposes, however, and like in most "true" metal, the music was highlighted by the heavy guitar and drums.

Kam Lee of Massacre provided backing vocals.

Track listing

Credits

• Mike Browning – drums, vocals
• Mike Davis – guitar
• Sean McNenney – guitar
• Jeff Estes – bass
• Louis Panzer – keyboards

• Kam Lee – backing vocals

• All songs written by Nocturnus
• Lyrics on tracks 1, 2, 3, and 5 by Mike Browning
• Lyrics on tracks 4, 6, 7, and 9 by Mike Browning and Mike Davis
• Lyrics on track 8 by Mike Browning, Mike Davis, and Louis Panzer
• Recorded at Morrisound Studio, Florida, USA
• Produced by Tom Morris and Nocturnus
• Engineered by Tom Morris
• Cover art by Dan Seagrave
• Logo by R.P. Roberts

External links

• Nocturnus fan site

References