Morbid Angel band photo

Pedro Sandoval Exits I AM MORBID: A Drumroll of Transition

By Jason •
The former MORBID ANGEL sticksman parts ways with I AM MORBID, leaving fans and the metal scene buzzing.

In a seismic shift reverberating through the death metal underground, Pedro "Pete" Sandoval, the legendary former drummer of MORBID ANGEL, has announced his departure from I AM MORBID after a four-year stint. The news hit the airwaves like a sonic blast, leaving fans of the genre to contemplate the ever-changing dynamics of the band.

Sandoval's announcement came via social media on September 30, as he confirmed he would not be joining I AM MORBID on their upcoming fall 2026 European tour, aptly dubbed 'Morbidfest,' alongside fellow death metal titans ATHEIST and CANCER. "Hey friends, I will not be part of that tour, and I am no longer part of I AM MORBID," the drummer stated, setting the metal world ablaze with speculation and concern.

In a candid revelation, Sandoval shared his struggles during the last tour, battling illness and a waning connection to the band's focus on early MORBID ANGEL material. "I haven't been feeling the same connection with these songs anymore," he confessed. The iconic drummer expressed pride in his contributions to the revered albums from 'Altars of Madness' to 'Domination,' but lamented the lack of representation for the broader spectrum of his musical legacy with the band.

Despite his departure, Sandoval's respect for his bandmates, including fellow MORBID ANGEL alum David Vincent, remains intact. "I have a lot of respect for Richie and Bill and their work," he noted, reflecting on the camaraderie forged during the arduous tours. The drummer's decision comes after a period of introspection and a desire to take a break, as he hinted at the toll his last tour took on him physically and emotionally.

Though fans may mourn the absence of Sandoval on the upcoming tour, he reassured them that he would not vanish from the metal landscape. "You will see me again — just under different circumstances," he promised, igniting hope for a future that may include new projects or a return to the stage. For now, the metal community will have to rally around I AM MORBID as they continue to honor the legacy of one of the genre's most influential drummers.