Former Morbid Angel drummer Pete Sandoval has released a statement clearing up years of confusion surrounding his split from the band, directly refuting the idea that his departure had anything to do with religion. Writing in a post shared on Facebook, Sandoval made it clear that he did not leave Morbid Angel in 2013 and that faith played no role in his time away.
Sandoval explained that his only actual exit from the band took place in 2010 and was the result of undergoing major back surgery. Morbid Angel later released their 2011 album Illud Divinum Insanus with Tim Yeung behind the kit, a period Sandoval says highlighted a musical shift that no longer matched his own approach or style.
That said, Sandoval emphasized that musical differences were not the true reason he ultimately chose not to return to the band later on, despite receiving an invitation to do so, noting that the real explanation 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 become part of I Am Morbid, a project that focuses on performing classic Morbid Angel material alongside former Morbid Angel bassist and vocalist David Vincent. As a result, the band offers what many fans see as the closest experience to Morbid Angel’s classic era—especially given the lack of recent activity from the original group.
The 61-year-old musician revealed recently that he was diagnosed with autism.
Sandoval addressed the news directly in a post shared on his Instagram account on Thursday, February 5, writing:
“After many years of confusion and misdiagnosis, I’ve finally been properly diagnosed as autistic (Level 1) ADOS-2 module 4 (and some other tests) . This has been part of who I am since childhood, even though for a long time I didn’t have the words or understanding for it.”
“Over the years, this has affected how I communicate, how I process sound, and how I interact with people — sometimes in ways that may have seemed confusing, distant, or misunderstood. It was never about not caring, not listening, or not wanting to connect.”
“Now, at 61 having clarity has brought a lot of peace. It explains so much — and it’s allowed me to better understand myself instead of fighting it.”
“I’m still here, still playing, still creating, still grateful — after back surgery, after life challenges, and now with a better understanding of my own mind.”
“If sharing this helps even one person feel less alone or more patient with themselves or others, then it’s worth it.”
“Thank you for the love and support through the years.”
