Former Morpheus Descends Guitarist Bryan Johnston Dies At 50

New York death metal veterans Morpheus Descends are mourning the loss of their guitarist, Bryan Johnston, who passed away at 50. Johnston‘s influential work includes the band’s 1994 EP, Chronicles of the Shadowed Ones, and his later efforts fronting Mytherium for their 2014 album, Gods of Chaos.

The band shared the following statement:

“R.I.P. Bryan Johnston (Morpheus Descends)

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of our former guitarist, Bryan Johnston.

Bryan joined Morpheus Descends in 1993. His work can be heard on our 1994 EP Chronicles of the Shadowed Ones, an era that marked a shift toward a darker, more doom-laden sound.

Bryan’s contribution will forever remain a part of the Morpheus Descends legacy. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Crank up Chronicles of the Shadowed Ones tonight in his honor.”

Beyond his time in Morpheus Descends, Johnston was an active figure in the scene. His credits include playing with Mytherium on their 2014 album, Gods of Chaos, contributing to early Subconscious demos, and serving as the mixing and mastering engineer for albums by Holocaustum (Crawling Through the Flames of Damnation) and Typhus (Grand Molesters of the Holy Trinity).

Morpheus Descends is a death metal group that originated in Middletown, New York, forming in 1990 under the initial name Morpheus. The band quickly became an important fixture in developing the New York death metal scene. Although they initially broke up in 1998 due due to a lack of interest, the core group, featuring founding members Rob Yench and Sam Inzerra, reunited in 2013 and has continued to perform live despite numerous lineup changes.

The current lineup of Morpheus Descends features founding members Rob Yench (who now plays guitar, after originally serving from 1990–1998) and Sam Inzerra (drums, also 1990–1998, 2013–present), alongside Ken Faggio (bass, 1990–1993, 2013–present). The lineup is rounded out by the additions of vocalist Tim Rocheny and guitarist Adam Kegg, both of whom joined the band in 2015.