This one is kind of weird. Nocturnus was an early death metal band out of the active Tampa, Florida scene which also produced Morbid Angel, Brutality, Death, and Deicide. However, Nocturnus were not as straightforward as the other bands, they were far more experimental.The first thing that separates Nocturnus from the rest of their brethren is the fact that the band uses keyboards. They don't just use them occasionally though, their music is filled with them. They also used sound effects to a great extent. The result is death metal similar to that of Death with frequent keyboard flourishes giving the music an epic and grandiose effect. The music is over the top and a litte cheesy, but it's a lot of fun. Beyond those pioneering sound efforts, the band is for the most part a typical early death metal band. Drummer/singer (you read that correctly) Mike Browning delivers his vocal lines in a style closer to thrash metal, utilizing raspy vocals over death growls.
Another interesting aspect about the band is the fact that they are quite possibly the nerdiest band in metal, which is really saying something given the litany of bands influenced by Dungeons and Dragons (Rhapsody of Fire) and Tolkien (Battlelore), and even other bands into science fiction (Voivod). However, Nocturnus on this album cover plagues ("Andromeda Strain"), androids ("Droid Sector") and time travel ("Destroying the Manger"). The time travel one is most important because it involves going back in time to stop the birth of Jesus, very Terminator-esque. What a bunch of dorks.
Still though, the music is quite good and I am a sucker for old school death metal. This album is a good listen.
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