The Key (Nocturnus album)

The Key is the debut studio album from American technical death metal band Nocturnus. It was released on Earache Records on 1st October 1990.

A concept album, The Key is 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 travels back in time to the year 0 B.C. to assassinate Jesus Christ which 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.

Due to the increased complexity and experimentation, some have considered the release to be the first progressive death metal album.

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.

Nocturnus

 * Mike Browning - lead vocals, drums, percussion
 * Mike Davis - lead and rhythm guitar
 * Sean McNenney - lead and rhythm guitar
 * Jeff Estes - bass guitar
 * Louis Panzer - keyboards

Additional personnel

 * Kam Lee - backing vocals

Production

 * Produced by Tom Morris and Nocturnus
 * Engineered by Tom Morris; recorded at Morrisond Studio, Florida
 * Cover art by Dan Seagrave
 * Logo by R.P. Roberts
 * All music 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