Review by Ben for Nocturnus - The Key (1990)

The Key is such a unique album. Non-one has managed to make an album quite like it since. It sure has its flaws, but it was and is incredibly special in a genre filling up with clones and mediocrity. The artwork is awesome, the sci fi setting is captivating, the musicianship is jaw dropping. As a package, this is the real deal.

Nocturnus were pretty much the first death metal band to include keyboards and they didn't just add them for a bit of extra sound. They were an extremely important ingredient, adding layers of atmosphere to already dripping music. But it's without a doubt the guitar work of Mike Davis and Sean McNenney that take this to a whole new level. Their constant flow of leads are wonderful without ever being reduced to wankery.

If there is a weak point on this album it is Mike Browning. His vocal style of saying one word at a time throughout the album becomes annoying and his drumming is adequate at best. If this album had a better drummer and vocalist, it would be close to a top 10 album for me. As it is, it's a thoroughly enjoyable listen that benefits from multiple sessions. Unfortunately, they would never be able to match it again.