Early Days:
Morbid Angel was founded by guitarist Trey Azagthoth in 1984. By the time their debut album was released in 1989, the band was made up of vocalist/bassist David Vincent, drummer Pete Sandoval, guitarist Richard Brunelle and Azagthoth. Altars Of Madness established Morbid Angel as one of the best death metal bands.
Success And Lineup Changes:
Their second album, 1991's Blessed Are The Sick, is still regarded as one of the finest death metal albums ever. After being the first death metal band ever signed to a major record label, Richard Brunelle left the band and was replaced by Erik Rutan. After 3 albums with that lineup, Vincent left and was replaced by vocalist/bassist Steve Tucker.
More Changes:
Guitarist Erik Rutan departed in 2002 and was replaced by Tony Norman. David Vincent returned to the band in 2004. Morbid Angel is one of the most influential death metal bands, having been a huge part of the Florida scene.
Current Morbid Angel Members:
Current band members and their side projects/former bands:
David Vincent - Vocals, bass (Genitorturers,
Terrorizer)
Trey Azagthoth - Guitar, keyboards
Tony Norman - Guitar (Monstrosity)
Pete Sandoval - Drums (Terrorizer)
Former Members:
Sterling Von Scarborough - Vocals, bass (1984-1986)
Steve Tucker - Vocals, bass (1998-2001, 2003-2004)
Michael Browning - Drums (1984-1987)
Richard Brunelle - Guitar (1984-1994)
Erik Rutan - Guitar (1994-2002)
Morbid Angel Discography:
1989 Altars Of Madness (Earache)
1991 Blessed Are The Sick (Earache)
1991 Abominations Of Desolation (Earache)
1993 Covenant (Earache)
1995 Domination (Earache)
1996 Entangled In Chaos (live) (Earache)
1997 Formulas Fatal To The Flesh (Earache)
2000 Gateways To Annihilation (Earache)
2003 Heretic (Earache)
Essential Morbid Angel Album:
Blessed Are The Sick
Their 1991 album is brutal and extreme, but has some moments of melody. Azagthoth is a great songwriter, and some of his best writing is on this album.
