Sad news has come down as former Morbid Angel guitarist Richard Brunelle, early crucial member of the legendary death metal band, has died. He was 55. Brunelle Brunelle was in the band from 1985 until 1992 and he featured on the band’s first two albums, 1989’s Altars of Madness and 1991’s Blessed Are The Sick. He returned to the group a couple of times — most notably in 1994 and 1998 to be part of the touring lineup, but would never record with the band again. The news of Richard’s death was broken by his sister-in-law Megan Box-Brunnele. She wrote on Facebook: “This is Richie’s sister-in-law. This devastating post is at the request of my husband and his mother. It is with deep regret and sorrow that we inform Richie’s friends and fans that he passed away [on Monday]. Please feel free to visit the link to share memories and condolences. Rest in peace, Richie. You were so loved and will be forever missed.” Former Morbid Angel drummer Pete Sandoval mourned Richard’s death on Instagram. He wrote: “This is really sad! So many great memories we shared together that I’ll never forget, hope and wish you are in a better place. My condolences to his family.

“I just received an email of his family letting me know about this sad new, please, a little respect guys, don’t ask me the cause of death or something like that, does it matter? he just passed away and that’s sad. Thanks”

We send our condolences out to Richard’s family, friends and fans at this time. Continue reading →