MORBID ANGEL (Live)

Review and Photos by Jerry Alperin

Morbid Angel one of the most highly influential bands in the growth and development of death metal since 1983, pulled into town on their 2018 Kingdoms Disdained tour. I was excited to see them perform here in the States, after they were forced to cancel their summer and fall festival appearances in Europe in 2017.

David Vincent and Tim Yeung were no longer in Morbid Angel. Former vocalist/bassist Steve Tucker rejoined the band once again, along with replacement drummer, Scott Fuller.

So here we are May 1st at the Complex in Salt Lake City. I didn’t expect much of a crowd, being a Tuesday night, and unfortunately that was the case. But the ones who were there, got to see a great performance.

Trey Azagthoth once again amazed everyone with his sensational unrelenting guitar onslaught throughout the night. With songs such as, Prayer of Hatred, Covenant of Death and To the Victors the Spoils, he seemed unstoppable.

Steve Tuckers strong and menacing vocals were hair raising, especially in the song Curse the Flesh which to me really solidified his place as front man, glad to see him back.

Dan Vadim Von was electrifying, such songs as Nothing is Not and Bil Ur-Sag undoubtedly showcased his amazing talent. Scott Fullers energy and mind-blowing drums brought everything together, rounding out a great night.

For those long time fan hoping for something from Altars of Madness or Covenant, well, it didn’t happen.

The setlist (see below) consisted mostly of music from the new album Kingdoms Disdained and early original Steve Tucker era albums such as Formulas Fatal to the Flesh and Gateways to Annihilation.

After their unpopular release of Illud Divinum Insanus in 2011, the brutal music and uncompromising sound of Morbid Angel is back!

Setlist:

1. I
2. Piles of Little Arms
3. D.E.A.D.
4. Garden of Disdain
5. Bil Ur-Sag
6. Paradigms Warped
7. Curse the Flesh
8. Prayer of Hatred
9. Covenant of Death
10. Praise the Strength
11. Ageless, Still I Am
12. He Who Sleeps
13. Nothing Is Not
14. To the Victor the Spoils