Pete Sandoval has announced his departure from I Am Morbid, confirming that he will not participate in the project’s upcoming European tour.
The drummer, who previously spent years as a member of Morbid Angel, revealed the news on September 30, explaining that his decision was not related to the illness he battled during the group’s most recent tour. Sandoval said he had increasingly felt disconnected from the material performed by I Am Morbid, which has focused primarily on songs from ‘Altars of Madness’ through ‘Domination’.
“I went through a lot on the last tour. I got very sick with the flu, but that is not the reason for my decision.”
Sandoval explained that while he remains proud of those albums and his contributions to them, his history with Morbid Angel extended beyond that period of the band’s career. He ultimately felt that a significant portion of his musical legacy was not represented through I Am Morbid.
“I gave the fans everything I could through I Am Morbid, and now I need to take a break and move forward.”
The drummer also expressed his appreciation for Richie and Bill, saying he was grateful for the opportunity to perform alongside them, particularly during the most recent tour despite his physical condition.
Sandoval initially indicated that the previous I Am Morbid tour was intended to be his final run with the project. Following the tour, however, messages from fans caused him to reconsider. He planned to rehearse and determine whether he could return at the level audiences deserved, but said that another drummer had already been brought in before he had the opportunity to reach out.
“I thought about coming back for the fans, but it didn’t work out. So to the ones who admire my drumming, who expect to see me, I will not disappoint you, you will, just blasting new / other music.”
Sandoval also addressed the future of Terrorizer, stating that the band will continue but that changes are coming. He stopped short of revealing all of the details, though he did confirm that his professional relationship with David Vincent has reached its end.
“At this point, I don’t feel that David Vincent and I can continue working together. David has his personality and his way of working, and I have mine. We are very different people, and professionally those differences have caused us to clash too many times.”
Sandoval stressed that the situation is not rooted in hatred or a personal grudge, explaining that there are times when two people simply recognize that continuing to work together is no longer beneficial for either side. He said he respects what he and Vincent accomplished together and wishes him the best while moving forward separately.
More details regarding the future of Terrorizer are expected to be revealed by Sandoval at a later date.
If you’re rocking with The Mosh Network, hit the link and add us as a Preferred Source on Google. That’s the easiest way to keep our latest metal, hardcore, and alternative news, tours, and releases showing up directly in your feed.
