Tampa, Florida death-metal icons Morbid Angel are returning with a vengeance to reclaim their throne atop the death-metal heap. Having been without a steady rhythm guitarist for quite some time - for all purposes since Erik Rutan's departure from the band to form Hate Eternal in 2002 - the band has hired longtime Zyklon axeman Destructhor to fill the void. Seriously, the guy's real first name is Thor. He was destined to be in a metal band from birth.
























"The hunt for another guitarist to play alongside Trey [Azagthoth, the band's primary songwriter] was long and difficult," vocalist David Vincent told Metal Hammer. "Man, I tell you, we had tapes sent to us from all over the world from guys who wanted to play in our band, and many of them were extremely talented - but Thor was the right choice for us. He's a fantastic guitarist and fits right in with the band. Also, Zyklon have supported Morbid Angel in the past, so the guys knew each other already."

Morbid Angel are currently writing material for their first studio album since 2003's lukewarm Heretic, according to Blabbermouth. The new LP will also mark the long-awaited return of original vocalist David Vincent, whom many believe to be one of the finest vocalists in the history of the genre. He has not recorded with the band since 1995's excellent Domination album. Of course, the inimitable Pete Sandoval will round out the foursome on drums. The album is currently untitled, with no release date announced.