Sandoval’s Tough Decision in 2010

Pete Sandoval, also known as “Commando”, wasn’t just any drummer; he was the heart-pounding rhythm of Morbid Angel, a band that carved its name into the death metal hall of fame. But in 2010, the beat almost stopped. Sandoval’s back was giving him hell, and not in a headbanging kind of way. We’re talking about debilitating disc issues that turned drumming from a passion into a pain—literally.

Enough was enough. Sandoval took the leap and went under the knife. But this wasn’t your grandma’s back surgery; it was a high-tech laser procedure done by a specialist down in Tampa, Florida. The goal? Fix a messed-up disc and get Sandoval back to his drum throne. Post-surgery, Sandoval found himself in rehab mode, working to get his groove back.

Sandoval’s seat at the drum set stayed empty longer than anyone liked. The band had a tough call to make: wait for Sandoval to heal or move on.

Meanwhile, the clock was ticking for Morbid Angel. Albums don’t make themselves, and tours don’t go on pause. Sandoval’s seat at the drum set stayed empty longer than anyone liked. The band had a tough call to make: wait for Sandoval to heal or move on. They chose the latter, bringing Tim Yeung into the mix.

Sandoval could’ve been bitter, but instead, he concentrated on healing both physically and spiritually. He even took a detour into Christianity, a path that led him further away from Morbid Angel’s devil-may-care ethos. But hey, when life throws you a curveball, sometimes you’ve got to change your tune.

Finding God Between Beats

In the years following his back surgery, Pete Sandoval, the drummer once known for his relentless beats in Morbid Angel, found himself in a different kind of quest—this time, a spiritual one. Around 2012, still recovering physically and emotionally, Sandoval felt the need for something more. Influenced by his mom and sister, both devout Christians, he started reading the Bible.

His faith rocketed, and he saw his past behaviors—like drinking and smoking—as steps on a “road of perdition”.

Sandoval describes a defining moment during his spiritual journey. While reading scriptures, he says, he felt like a light suddenly switched on inside him. He realized he’d been walking in a “world of darkness”, and this experience was a game-changer. His faith rocketed, and he saw his past behaviors—like drinking and smoking—as steps on a “road of perdition”.

Though his faith has transformed him, Sandoval makes it clear that his exit from Morbid Angel wasn’t a faith-based decision; it was all about his back problems. But he adds that his spiritual awakening has ruled out any future gigs with Satanic bands. He feels rejuvenated, crediting God not just for spiritual growth but also for improving his drumming.

These days, Sandoval is more than just a drummer; he’s a man on a mission. He believes his story can inspire others to change their lives, just like how he wishes he could have saved his late friend Jesse Pintado of Napalm Death from a life destroyed by alcohol.

The Beat Goes On

Life after leaving a band like Morbid Angel could be a quiet ride into the sunset, but not for Pete Sandoval. He channeled his drumming prowess into other endeavors, teaming up with former bandmate David Vincent in “I AM MORBID”. And if that wasn’t enough, he also continued his other project, Terrorizer, allowing him to still whip those drumsticks without the intense demands of Morbid Angel’s music style.

To sum it all up, Pete Sandoval’s exit from Morbid Angel wasn’t some impulsive act or a mere clash of egos. It was a tangled web of health troubles, life-altering changes, and the nitty-gritty of keeping a band rolling. Fans might have missed him, but let’s be real; the move was for the betterment of Sandoval’s health and the band’s future. So while the drum throne at Morbid Angel has a new occupant, Pete Sandoval is still marching to the beat of his own drum—both literally and metaphorically.