Nocturnus "The Key (1992 Japanese Reissue, Toy's Factory, TFCK-88584)"

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

The album, Nocturnus's debut, is a concept album centered on an occult (the influence of drummer/vocalist Mike Browning) meets sci-fi (influenced by guitarist Mike Davis) theme. The story 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.

In addition to their unusual lyrical content, the band employed the use of keyboards which was virtually unheard of at the time in the broader genre of death metal. The keyboards were generally used for song intros and more atmospheric purposes, however, and most of the album was based upon a more conventional guitar and drums approach, with Kam Lee of Massacre providing backing vocals.

Browning has claimed that he has not seen any royalties from either this album or its follow up since he was kicked out of the band, blaming both former band members and Earache Records.

Track listing

1. "Lake of Fire" 4:51
2. "Standing in Blood" 4:13
3. "Visions from Beyond the Grave" 4:00
4. "Neolithic" 4:40
5. "Undead Journey" 4:16
6. "B.C./A.D. (Before Christ/After Death)" 4:48
7. "Andromeda Strain" 3:36
8. "Droid Sector" 4:16
9. "Destroying the Manger" 5:59
10. "Empire of the Sands" 6:17

Produced by Nocturnus.

All music by Nocturnus.

- Bonus track 5 taken from the 1988 Science of Horror demo.

- Issued with Obi strip & Japanese/English lyrics.

- Video: Lake of Fire

Recording information:

Tracks 1-4 & 6-10:

- Recorded at Morrisound Studio, Tampa, Florida.

- Co-produced by Nocturnus.

Track 5:

- Recording information undisclosed.