About this episode

The episode explores the origins and impact of Morbid Angel's debut album, Altars of Madness, and the band's journey in the death metal scene.

This week on Riff Worship we’re tracing the origins of one of death metal's most foundational pillars: Morbid Angel. We’ll follow the band’s formative years in Tampa, Florida, to the chaotic journey toward their 1989 debut album, Altars of Madness! On this episode, we explore: Guitarist Trey Azagthoth’s obsession with the occult and how the Necronomicon influenced the band’s otherworldly sound. Morbid Angel’s introduction to David Vincent, the infamous Abominations of Desolation sessions, and their brief residence in North Carolina. How Terrorizer’s Pete Sandoval joined the ranks and his crash course in double-bass that developed his signature style. The role of Napalm Death’s Mick Harris, whose America holiday helped bridge the gap between Tampa and Earache Records. The rapid Morrisound Recording sessions and the iconic Dan Seagrave cover art that helped create a Florida Death Metal classic! Recommendations: Eximperitus - Meritoriousness of Equanimity Blackwater Holylight - Not Here Not Gone GWAR - Scumdogs of the Universe Sigh - Ghastly Funeral Theatre Sigh - Hail Horror Hail Agents Of Abhorrence - Character Dissection Follow Riff Worship Instagram…

People in this episode

Hosts: Austin Paulson, Dylan Adams, Justin Swindle

Topics covered

• death metal
• Morbid Angel
• music history
• Tampa Florida
• album analysis
• guitar techniques
• occult influences

Keywords

• Morbid Angel
• Altars of Madness
• death metal
• Trey Azagthoth
• David Vincent
• Pete Sandoval
• Mick Harris
• music history
• Florida death metal

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Morbid Angel, Napalm Death, Earache Records

Books & works: Altars of Madness, Eximperitus - Meritoriousness of Equanimity, Blackwater Holylight - Not Here Not Gone, GWAR - Scumdogs of the Universe, Sigh - Ghastly Funeral Theatre, Sigh - Hail Horror Hail, Agents Of Abhorrence - Character Dissection

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