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Death metal legend Mike Browning has died, aged 62
Tributes have been paid to the pioneering Morbid Angel and Nocturnus drummer. "His influence on extreme metal cannot be overstated. He leaves behind a legacy of innovation, passion, and uncompromising dedication to the music."
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Mike Browning, best known for his work with death metal pioneers Morbid Angel, Nocturnus and Incubus, has died. The news of the 62-year-old's passing was announced by his current label, Profound Lore.
“RIP death metal legend/sci-fi death metal godfather Mike Browning of Nocturnus/Nocturnus AD. Journey beyond the gateway to the outer void!
‘Before Christ – I ruled the land. After Death – I will rule once again'”
Mike was one of the founding members of Florida death metal legends Morbid Angel, alongside guitarist Trey Azagthoth. In 1986, he drummed on their intended debut album, Abominations Of Desolation. The album was shelved until 1991 after the band felt it wasn't up to scratch, but became as important as any of Morbid Angel's first few albums.
After leaving the band following a fight with Trey, he played on the self-titled Incubus demo, before joining sci-fi metallers Nocturnus, most notably drumming and singing on 1990's the key, a record notable for its pioneering use of keyboards and Voivod-ish futuristic themes. After Nocturnus, Mike would go on to play with Acheron, before forming Nocturnus AD in 1999.
In a tribute to their old bandmate, Morbid Angel wrote, “R.I.P Mike, thanks for helping making all this happen. Our condolences to his family & especially his daughter.”
Blood Incantation's Jeff Barrett said, "Rest in Power Mike - the legacy of your music will continue inspiring generations of musicians. Thank you for everything."
"The heavy metal world has lost one of its true pioneers," said San Francisco death metal icons Possessed. "Mike was a driving force in the birth of Florida death metal. From his early work on Abominations Of Desolation with Morbid Angel to the groundbreaking science fiction-infused death metal of The Key and Thresholds with Nocturnus, he helped shape a genre that continues to inspire musicians around the world.
"His influence on extreme metal cannot be overstated. He leaves behind a legacy of innovation, passion, and uncompromising dedication to the music. Rest easy, Mike. Your legacy will live on through the music."
Kerrang! sends its deepest condolences to Mike's family and friends.
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