Nocturnus was formed in 1987 by drummer/vocalist Mike Browning following the breakup of his old band Incubus. The band was formed by Browning, former Incubus guitarist Gino Marino and former Agent Steel bassist Richard Bateman. The band eventually began working on material and added second guitarist Vincent Crowley. This first lineup recorded one self titled demo in 1987. Crowley quit (going on to form Acheron) and was replaced by then-unknown 18-year old guitar prodigy Mike Davis. Bateman quit shortly afterwards to join Nasty Savage.
The band remained inactive for some time, returning with new bassist Jeff Estes and a keyboard player, Louis Panzer, both friends of Davis, in 1988.
Panzer's addition gave the band a new, more "spacey" atmosphere to the music that made them unique in death metal at the time. This lineup put out the classic Science of Horror demo. In 1989 Marino quit and was replaced by Davis's long time friend and neighbor Sean McNenney. The band, now featuring two virtuoso guitarists, became increasingly technical and complex, which largely added to their audience.
In 1989, thanks in large part to Mike Davis's somewhat ironic friendship with Morbid Angel guitarist Trey Azagthoth, the band signed to Earache Records.
The band recorded their debut album, The Key with Tom Morris, which was released in 1990. The album, filled with a unique occult meets sci-fi concept (a blend of Browning and Davis's influences, respectively), virtuoso guitar pyrotechnics and space-age-ish keyboards, managed to become a death metal hit, spawning classic tracks such as "Standing In Blood" and "BC/AD (Before Christ/After Death)". It has gone on to sell 70,000 copies worldwide. It also featured backing vocals by former Mantas/Death and then Massacre vocalist Kam Lee.
Jeff Estes began developing a major drinking problem during the recording of The Key. This damaged his bass playing skills (Mike Davis ended up playing much of the bass on The Key) and was fired shortly after because of this. He was replaced by Jim O'Sullivan. With O'Sullivan on board, the band toured for The Key in 1991 in support of Bolt Thrower, and then embarked on the Grindcrusher tour with Morbid Angel, Napalm Death and Godflesh. O'Sullivan ended up not working out and he was fired as soon as the band's tours were over.
In 2000 Mowery and Davis reunited with McNenney and Panzer, along with new drummer Rick Bizarro and released their comeback album Ethereal Tomb. The album was met with good reception from old Nocturnus fans and even briefly sparked a new interest in the band in the death metal scene. However in 2002 the band finally split up for good.
Since breaking up Mowery is now in the band Leash Law. Mike Davis has given up music and moved on to a stable job and family life, managing his own computer business. Louis Panzer reformed an old band called Cry Blue, which Mike Browning described as "Sting type music". Browning has been involved in a wide variety of projects, currently After Death, which bears a style similar to a less technical Nocturnus.
Post-breakup the band has made two releases, The Nocturnus Demos, a collection of the bands pre-Earache recordings, and Farewell To Planet Earth, a DVD of live shows from various periods.
The band returned in late 2008 with the legendary Mike Browning(Morbid Angel) back on drums (actually it was BC/AD line up), for two exclusive UK dates one at BUSK in Birmingham and the other in London plus some European gigs.
Last Known Lineup
• Mike Davis - lead/rhythm guitars (1988–1993, 2000–2002)
• Sean McNenney - lead/rhythm guitars (1989–1993, 2000–2002)
• Louis Panzer - keyboards (1988–1993, 2000–2002)
• Emo Mowery - bass guitar/vocals (1992–1993, 2000–2002)
Former Members
Vocals
• Dan Izzo (1992–1993)
• Browning was vocalist from 1987 to 1992
• Mowery was vocalist from 2000 to 2002
Guitars
• Gino Marino (1987–1989)
• Vincenet Crowley (1987)
Bass
• Richard Bateman (1987)
• Jeff Estes (1989–1991)
• Jim O’Sullivan (1991)
• Chris Anderson (1992) (session only)
Drums
• Mike Browning (1987–1992)
• James Marcinek (1992–1993)
• Rick Bizarro (2000)
Nocturnus
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Description
They were known for their science-fiction themed lyrics and use of keyboards, both of which were virtually unknown in extreme metal. Although they were (and still are) relatively obscure, notable bands such as Necrophagist, Theory in Practice, and Children of Bodom have cited Nocturnus as an influence.
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