Mike Browning, the drummer and vocalist greatest recognized for co-founding the pioneering demise steel bands Morbid Angel and Nocturnus, has died. “R.I.P Mike,” Morbid Angel wrote on Instagram. “Thanks for serving to making all this occur. Our condolences to his household & particularly his daughter.” Browning was 62.
Browning was born Might 26, 1964 in Tampa, Florida. He picked up his first drumsticks at age 13 and fell in love with enjoying alongside to Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin information. After drawing inspiration from bands like Angel Witch, Slayer, and Mercyful Destiny for his enjoying model, Browning discovered likeminded musicianship in guitarist-turned-friend Trey Azagthoth. By 1983, they shaped Morbid Angel collectively. Their early reside exhibits had been marked by ominous guitar riffs, blast beats, and grotesque antics onstage, feeding into the early indicators of a brand new heavy steel subgenre that will grow to be demise steel.
A number of years after forming, Morbid Angel recorded their first-ever album, Abominations of Desolation, with Browning on lead vocals and drums, usually aligning his vocals to fall on-beat. Nevertheless, they shelved the LP after reportedly being unhappy with the recording and, in accordance with Browning, arguing between members. Come the autumn of 1986, Browning was fired from the band after a battle with Azagthoth. Abominations of Desolation wouldn’t grow to be obtainable till 1991 when it was launched as a demo album.
By then, Browning had lengthy been specializing in different music. He briefly performed with Tampa demise steel act Incubus (no relation to the opposite ’90s Incubus) earlier than beginning Nocturnus in 1987, fusing the heavy sounds of his earlier venture along with his curiosity in sci-fi storytelling and visuals. Nocturnus went on to launch two full-length albums throughout their authentic run. Their 1990 debut, The Key, stays a foundational piece of the progressive demise steel style. Browning’s run with the band got here to an finish with 1992’s Thresholds, after the discharge of which he was fired.
In 2013, Browning finally reformed the band beneath a special title, Nocturnus AD, and onboarded two new guitarists, a bassist, and keyboardist. Browning remained energetic in Nocturnus AD up till his demise, releasing Paradox in 2019 and Unicursal in 2024. He additionally carried out in a handful of tasks with singer Lisa Lombardo, together with After Loss of life, Devine Essence, and Wolf and Hawk.
Figures throughout the steel neighborhood have paid tribute to Browning on-line, together with Immolation’s Alex Bouks and Michael Amott of Carnage and Arch Enemy. “Mike, you had been a musical legend and actually the nicest man,” wrote Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren. “I am unable to consider you’re gone. Thanks to your music and for all the great chats.”
