Former MORBID ANGEL and current TERRORIZER and I AM MORBID drummer Pedro “Pete” Sandoval says that he has “finally” been diagnosed as autistic.<\/p>\n
The 61-year-old musician, who now lives his life as a born-again Christian, apparently received his diagnosis after undergoing the ADOS-2 assessment, which is said to be one of the most trusted tools used in autism evaluations worldwide.<\/p>\n
On Thursday (February 5),Sandoval took to his Instagram to write: “After many years of confusion and misdiagnosis, I’ve finally been properly diagnosed as autistic (Level 1) ADOS-2 module 4 (and some other tests) . This has been part of who I am since childhood, even though for a long time I didn’t have the words or understanding for it.<\/p>\n
“Over the years, this has affected how I communicate, how I process sound, and how I interact with people \u2014 sometimes in ways that may have seemed confusing, distant, or misunderstood. It was never about not caring, not listening, or not wanting to connect.<\/p>\n
“Now, at 61 having clarity has brought a lot of peace. It explains so much \u2014 and it’s allowed me to better understand myself instead of fighting it.<\/p>\n
“I’m still here, still playing, still creating, still grateful \u2014 after back surgery, after life challenges, and now with a better understanding of my own mind.<\/p>\n
“If sharing this helps even one person feel less alone or more patient with themselves or others, then it’s worth it.<\/p>\n
“Thank you for the love and support through the years.”<\/p>\n
Pete is currently part of I AM MORBID, which also features another former MORBID ANGEL member, bassist\/vocalist David Vincent, plus guitarists Richie Brown (EXMORTUS, THE ABSENCE, TRIVIUM) and Bill Hudson (NORTHTALE, DORO).<\/p>\n
I AM MORBID plays material from MORBID ANGEL’s “Altars Of Madness” (1989),”Blessed Are The Sick” (1991),”Covenant” (1993) and “Domination” (1995) albums.<\/p>\n
I AM MORBID’s spring 2022 European tour marked the first time Sandoval and Vincent played together in 12 years.<\/p>\n
Sandoval, who now lives his life as a born-again Christian, was forced to leave MORBID ANGEL in 2010 after undergoing surgery for a prolapsed disc.<\/p>\n
Vincent told Invisible Oranges in a December 2013 interview that Pete had “found Jesus,” which meant that Sandoval and MORBID ANGEL were no longer “compatible.”<\/p>\n
Prior to joining I AM MORBID, Sandoval had spent a few years recording and touring with TERRORIZER, whose latest studio album, “Caustic Attack”, was released in October 2018 via The End Records.<\/p>\n
The reactivated TERRORIZER played its first comeback show on April 25, 2024 at the SWR Barroselas Metalfest in Barroselas, Portugal.<\/p>\n
TERRORIZER’s current lineup consists of Sandoval on drums, Vincent on bass, Brian Werner (VITAL REMAINS) on vocals, and Richie Brown (EXMORTUS, THE ABSENCE, TRIVIUM, I AM MORBID) on guitar.<\/p>\n