PETE SANDOVAL Clarifies Why He Left MORBID ANGEL: “I Did Not Leave For Religious Reasons”

Former Morbid Angel drummer Pete Sandoval 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, Sandoval emphasized that he did not leave Morbid Angel in 2013, nor was faith the reason for his absence.

According to Sandoval, his only departure from Morbid Angel occurred in 2010, and it was due to serious back surgery. The band went on to release their 2011 album Illud Divinum Insanus with Tim Yeung, during which time Sandoval says it became clear that the group had moved in a musical direction that didn’t align with his own style.

However, Sandoval 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 is just NOT ACCURATE. I did not leave Morbid Angel in 2013 for religious reasons. I left once, in 2010, due to my back surgery. That was the only departure.

“Morbid Angel 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’t rejoin later when I was invited back was much simpler and more personal: I wasn’t physically or mentally ready to play the songs at the level I expect from myself.

“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’t be playing these same songs today. The truth is, it took me nearly 12 years to feel capable again.”

Sandoval has since joined I Am Morbid, a band that plays Morbid Angel classics with former Morbid Angel bassist and vocalist David Vincent. So the closest thing you’re gonna get to the classic version of Morbid Angel – which is great, because actual Morbid Angel isn’t doing jack shit these days.