NOCTURNUS (Morbid Angel) - The Key (12" LP on Black Vinyl)

Nocturnus, spearheading progressive metal and technical death scenes, co-founded by ex-Morbid Angel member Mike Browning, showcased unparalleled innovation with their debut, "The Key," released in 1990. Opening with the intense "Lake of Fire," the album delivers a relentless onslaught of guitar wizardry and blast beat percussion, setting a new standard in death metal. Tracks like "Visions from Beyond the Grave" showcase the band's fresh energy and unprecedented talent, surpassing contemporaries like Morbid Angel and Autopsy.

Notably, "The Key" outshines Death's early albums, featuring precisely-played riffs, mind-bending solos, and a dynamic exploration of new ideas in each song. Nocturnus avoids the pitfalls of monotony, ensuring each track is a unique journey, from the anthemic buildups of "Neolithic" to the innovative pauses in "Undead Journey." The album's technical prowess rivals that of Dream Theater, blending instrumental genius with brilliantly-composed structures.

Beyond technical excellence, "The Key" introduces symphonic intros and harmonic traces, adding a touch of surrealism. With evil vocal performances by Browning, the album proves to be a masterpiece, with standout tracks like "Andromeda Strain." In every moment of its almost fifty-minute runtime, Nocturnus maintains an exceptional standard of quality, making "The Key" a pinnacle in the realm of progressive and technical death metal.