Nycticorax is a black metal band from Riga, Latvia, it was created in April 2003 by Lodrok (vocals, guitar). The first members were Lodbrok (vocals, guitar), Ashath (bass) and Midgard (drums). The demo-CD "Nosferatu" was recorded by the end of 2003. The band's first album "Umbra Mortis" (an independent release, Phoenix Studio) was recorded by the end of 2004 and includes the demo "Nosferatu". On March, 2005 Ashath was kicked out of the band and by April a new bassist "Wolf" joined. In July 2005 one more guitar player "Morok" joined.
By the end of November 2005 the band recorded the second album: "Black raven... Dark night" (Phoenix studio in Riga, Latvia). In June 2006 Nycticorax signed deal to release album with label from Russia - Musica production. In April 2007, with label "Ancient Beliefs" was published remastered and rearranged album "Umbra Mortis", which got out under new name "Umbra Mortis MMVII". In July Morok did the recordings for third album "Anima Tenebrarum" and then left the band. In August Midgard left the band. In September the band finished the recordings of their 3rd album entitled "Anima Tenebrarum". In October a new drummer "Mjolnir" joined the band.