It's Noctuary (from L.A.), not Nocturnus (FL, if that's who you were referring to), and they are still very much active.
But I will have to beg to differ regarding your opinion on whether or not the others are 'flag-bearers' of sorts. A couple of them, yes, haven't been very groundbreaking (what they do, they do well though) but Ludicra and Wraith of the Ropes are both very original bands, as were Anubis Rising. Their songs don't make me feel like I've heard it all before. Of course there is some reminiscence of past bands/influences but in this day and age, who doesn't incorporate that into their music?
And did you guys know that J. Gossard from Asunder was also in Weakling (and The Gault an excellent dark rock band from SF)?