Nocturnus was originally formed as a death metal band in Tampa, Florida, in 1987 by drummer and vocalist Mike Browning. The initial lineup included former Incubus guitarist Gino Marino and bassist Richard Bateman. After several lineup changes, the band released their self-titled demo in 1987. In 1989, Nocturnus signed to Earache Records and released their debut album, The Key, which featured the tracks "Standing In Blood" and "BC/AD (Before Christ/After Death)", in 1990. The album sold seventy thousand copies worldwide. Following the release of Thresholds in 1992, internal conflicts led to Browning's departure from the band. After releasing Ethereal Tomb on Season of Mist in 1999, Nocturnus disbanded in 2002.
