Former Morbid Angel<\/strong> drummer Pete Sandoval<\/strong> has issued a statement addressing longstanding misconceptions surrounding his departure from the band, specifically pushing back against claims that his exit was motivated by religious reasons. In a statement published to Facebook<\/em>, Sandoval<\/strong> emphasized that he did not leave Morbid Angel<\/strong> in 2013, nor was faith the reason for his absence.<\/p>\n According to Sandoval<\/strong>, his only departure from Morbid Angel<\/strong> occurred in 2010, and it was due to serious back surgery. The band went on to release their 2011 album Illud Divinum Insanus<\/em> with Tim Yeung<\/strong>, during which time Sandoval<\/strong> says it became clear that the group had moved in a musical direction that didn\u2019t align with his own style.<\/p>\n However, Sandoval<\/strong> stressed that the real reason he did not rejoin the band later, despite being invited back, was far more personal: “Just a small clarification, because some of the information being shared about why I left MA<\/strong> is just NOT ACCURATE. I did not leave Morbid Angel<\/strong> in 2013 for religious reasons. I left once, in 2010, due to my back surgery. That was the only departure.<\/p>\n “Morbid Angel<\/strong> released THEIR 2011 RECORD with their new drummer, and at that point it was clear the band had moved in a different musical direction than my own style. But the real reason I didn\u2019t rejoin later when I was invited back was much simpler and more personal: I wasn\u2019t physically or mentally ready to play the songs at the level I expect from myself.<\/p>\n “After my surgery, it took me many years to regain my strength, stamina, and confidence. For someone who already struggles with communication and self-expression, it was easier at the time to give a short explanation (Due my beliefs) than to admit how difficult that period really was. If faith was truly the reason, I obviously wouldn\u2019t be playing these same songs today. The truth is, it took me nearly 12 years to feel capable again.”<\/p>\n Sandoval has since joined I Am Morbid<\/strong>, a band that plays Morbid Angel<\/strong> classics with former Morbid Angel<\/strong> bassist and vocalist David Vincent<\/strong>. So the closest thing you’re gonna get to the classic version of Morbid Angel<\/strong> \u2013 which is great, because actual Morbid Angel<\/strong> isn’t doing jack shit these days.\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Enter your information below to get a daily update with all of our headlines and receive The Orchard Metal newsletter.<\/p>\n