Former Morbid Angel drummer Pete Sandoval has issued a statement addressing longstanding misconceptions surrounding his departure from the band.

Contrary to previous claims that he left due to religious reasons, Sandoval emphasizes that he did not depart in 2013 and faith was not the reason for his absence.

In reality, Sandoval's only departure from Morbid Angel occurred in 2010 due to serious back surgery, after which the band released their album Illud Divinum Insanus with Tim Yeung.

Despite being invited back later, Sandoval did not rejoin the band due to personal reasons: "I wasn’t physically or mentally ready to play the songs at the level I expect from myself.” After his surgery, it took him many years to regain his strength, stamina, and confidence.

Sandoval has since joined I Am Morbid, a band that plays Morbid Angel classics with former Morbid Angel bassist and vocalist David Vincent.