Mike Browning, a founding member of the pioneering death metal bands Morbid Angel and Nocturnus, has died at age 62. Browning’s passing was reported by the record label Profound Lore, home of his most recent band Nocturnus AD. The label stated, “RIP death metal legend/sci-fi death metal godfather Mike Browning of Nocturnus/Nocturnus AD. Journey beyond the gateway to the outer void!”
Browning co-founded Morbid Angel in Tampa, Florida, in 1983. He sang lead and played drums on what was supposed to be the band’s debut album, Abominations of Desolation, but the LP was shelved with the band explaining that it wasn’t satisfied with the recording. However, Browning once said that the album didn’t see the light of day due to apparent in-fighting in the band that ultimately led to Browning’s departure.
Legacy and Later Career
In a 2019 interview with Bardo Methodology, Browning noted, “There are… a few things out there written by [Morbid Angel guitarist] Trey [Azagthoth] himself where he clearly states that the album Abominations of Desolation was coming out. After it had been recorded, we played three shows and Sterling Scarborough replaced John Ortega on bass. Not a word was said about technical shortcomings, everything was all set to go. It wasn’t until I caught Trey with my girlfriend and beat the hell out of him – which led to the band splitting in half – that he decided not to release it. Prior to this, “Abominations…” had been recorded and was going to be presented as Morbid Angel’s first LP. These comments about it not being technically good enough only came once I was out.”
Abominations of Desolation was eventually released in 1991 as a demo album, long after Browning’s departure from Morbid Angel.
After his exit from Morbid Angel, Browning formed Nocturnus, whose sci-fi-themed 1990 debut album The Key is considered to lay the groundwork for progressive death metal. Browning recorded one more album with Nocturnus — 1992’s Thresholds — before being fired from the band.
In 1999, Browning formed Nocturnus AD with other original members of Nocturnus. The band changed its name to After Death shortly thereafter, before taking on the name Nocturnus AD once again in 2013. As of his death, Nocturnus AD were still active, having released their most recent album, Unicursal, in 2024.
Reactions and Tributes
Morbid Angel issued a statement regarding Browning’s passing, writing, “R.I.P Mike, thanks for helping making all this happen. Our condolences to his family & especially his daughter.”
Our condolences go out to Mike Browning’s family, friends, and bandmates during this difficult time. The death metal community has lost a legend and a pioneer, and his contributions to the genre will be remembered for years to come. With his work in Morbid Angel and Nocturnus, Browning has left a lasting impact on the world of death metal, and his music will continue to inspire and influence new generations of metal fans.
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