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CENTEREACH, NY — In a stunning reversal of last month’s “toxic” allegations, former Suffocation drummer Eric Morotti has issued a formal public apology to his former bandmates. After a decade as the rhythmic engine for the Long Island death metal pioneers, Morotti’s return from a touring stint with Sanguisugabogg has brought a significant shift in tone, moving from incendiary accusations to a plea for professional reconciliation and a total retraction of his previous statements regarding the band’s internal culture.

TL;DR: The Key Takeaways

• The Retraction: Eric Morotti has officially apologized for using “hurtful and disrespectful” language during his exit from Suffocation.
• The Dispute: While Morotti initially claimed he quit due to a toxic environment, Suffocation countered that he was fired over scheduling conflicts with Sanguisugabogg.
• The Reconciliation: Morotti now refers to his former bandmates as “brothers” and expresses regret for how he handled the public fallout, emphasizing a desire to move forward with professionalism.

The Fallout: Accusations of “Toxic” Environments

The friction began in April 2026 when Morotti took to social media to announce he was leaving Suffocation to “prolong his health” and maintain his “integrity.” His initial statement was a scorched-earth critique of the band’s internal dynamics, where he claimed he could no longer work with “toxic, abusive drug addicts.” The impact was immediate, threatening to tarnish the nearly 40-year legacy of one of death metal’s most respected institutions. The extreme metal community was left reeling, as Morotti had been a stable and highly respected member of the lineup for ten years.

Suffocation was quick to respond, refuting Morotti’s narrative with a statement of their own that painted a very different picture of the split. The band clarified that the drummer had not resigned of his own volition but was instead terminated by the group. They cited insurmountable scheduling conflicts stemming from Morotti’s role as a touring drummer for Sanguisugabogg, suggesting that his original “incendiary” post was an emotional reaction to the news of his firing rather than a proactive moral stand.

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Eric Morotti’s Road to Redemption

After several weeks of silence while on the road, Morotti has returned home with a completely different perspective. In a new statement, he took full responsibility for the “hurtful” nature of his previous communications, acknowledging that his delivery lacked the professionalism expected of a veteran musician. The drummer noted that the time away allowed him to reflect on the impact of his words, not just on the band members themselves, but on the massive fanbase that has supported Suffocation since the late 1980s.

“Now that I’ve returned home from tour, I want to address my post about Suffocation, and sincerely apologize for how I handled things,” Morotti stated. “I used language that was hurtful and disrespectful, and I regret that. I should have communicated it without attacking or speaking negatively about others.”

He emphasized that his goal is to move forward with “more respect, clarity, and professionalism,” signaling a desire to close the chapter on a positive note. For a drummer who spent a full decade contributing to the band’s technical evolution and live intensity, the apology serves as a vital step in preserving his standing within the tight-knit global metal community.

“I take responsibility for my words and understand the impact they can have—not just on the people involved, but on everyone who follows and supports me. That’s not how I want to represent myself,” he continued.

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Mending Fences in the Death Metal Community

The apology further emphasized his desire to move forward with a focus on professionalism, acknowledging the impact his words had on both the band and the fans who have supported him over the last decade. He concluded his statement by reaffirming his love for the members of Suffocation, calling them “brothers” and expressing gratitude for the albums and tours they shared during their ten-year run together.

“I wish them nothing but the best and am very grateful for the tours, albums, experience I had with them. I love them all sincerely like brothers.”

This reconciliatory tone is a far cry from the “abusive” label used just weeks prior. While the professional split remains permanent—and the band moves forward with their current touring plans—this public olive branch likely preserves the legacy of Morotti’s ten-year tenure. Fans of Suffocation can now look back at his contribution to the band’s sound, including his work on their recent critically acclaimed releases, without the cloud of a bitter, unresolved feud hanging over the music.

The Future for Suffocation and Eric Morotti

While the apology mends some of the reputational damage, the professional split remains final. Suffocation continues to move forward as leaders of the New York death metal scene, maintaining a rigorous schedule that demands absolute commitment from their rhythm section. The band’s ability to weather such a public storm and remain focused on their craft is a testament to the iron-clad foundation built by the original members decades ago.

Morotti, meanwhile, remains a high-demand talent in the scene. His work with Sanguisugabogg has been met with critical acclaim, and his ability to tackle the most demanding drum parts in the genre ensures he will not be absent from the stage for long. The death metal community often sees these types of high-pressure departures, but it is rare to see such a candid and humble reversal so shortly after the fact. As of now, Suffocation has not issued a public response to the apology, though the cooling of public tensions suggests that both parties are ready to let the music speak for itself.

FAQ: Eric Morotti & Suffocation Split

• Why did Eric Morotti leave Suffocation? Initially claiming a “toxic” environment, the band revealed he was actually fired due to scheduling conflicts with Sanguisugabogg.
• What was Eric Morotti’s apology? He expressed deep regret for using “hurtful and disrespectful” language and reaffirmed his love for the band as “brothers.”
• Is Eric Morotti still drumming for Sanguisugabogg? Yes, Morotti continues to serve as a touring drummer for the rising death metal act.

Band Bio: Suffocation

Suffocation is a legendary New York death metal band formed in 1988 in Centereach, Long Island. Known for inventing the “slam” subgenre and their extreme technical proficiency, they remain a cornerstone of the global metal scene with a career spanning over three decades and multiple landmark albums such as Effigy of the Forgotten.

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The post EXPLOSIVE RETRACTION: Eric Morotti Issues Public Apology to Suffocation Following Contentious Exit appeared first on Loaded Radio.

Musician, actor, and celebrated 80s icon Courtney Gains, is building momentum on the music charts with two new singles beginning to break nationally.

Gains’ track “Wander & Dream” has been steadily climbing the SMR (Secondary Market Radio) charts, reaching #61 this week. The single “Been Forgotten” has spent the last two weeks sitting at #87 on the Top 40 Radio charts, following a recent surge from the #103 spot.

Both songs are set to appear on Gains’ forthcoming album, Liberation Day, scheduled for release this August on Curtain Call Records.The album will also feature “Fear the Boogie,” initially released last fall as part of the soundtrack for Gains’ upcoming film “The Barn III.” The retro slasher film will premiere May 23 in Pittsburgh, PA.

Stream Courtney Gains on Spotify and Apple Music.

Watch the video for “Fear the Boogie” at: https://youtu.be/nLpFdgnZ60g

Live appearances are also on the horizon, with Gains set for September dates opening for Lita Ford, followed by an appearance on the Boo’s Cruise in October.

Courtney Gains Live Dates:
9/31 – 9/7 – Smokin’ Cole’s Bike Rally & Rodeo w/ Lita Ford – Bloomville, OH
10/28 – 11/1 – Boo’s Cruise – Margaritaville Islander at Sea

Follow Courtney Gains on Instagram and Facebook for updates and additional live appearances.

About Courtney Gains:

2024 saw Gains celebrate the 40th anniversary of Children of the Corn with a slate of horror-con appearances and a 35MM screening of the film at the Sitges Film Festival in Spain, regarded as the biggest horror/sci-fi festival across Europe. Recent projects include The Wrath of Becky, Thy Will Be Done, October 31, Christmas Cowboy, and a standout role in the heavy-metal-infused horror film, Infernal. The Grime House Films production won Best Horror Feature Film at the Clout Film Fest. Watch the trailer here.

The screening for Infernal took place at the infamous Bastrop, TX gas station featured in the 1974 classic The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Gains and his band played an exclusive set at the event. A live recording of the performance is forthcoming.

In 2023, Gains released his Safe Haven EP, a six-track blend of rock, folk, and Americana that highlights his gritty vocals and honest songwriting. The critically acclaimed record captures a raw, roots-driven sound that reflects Gains’s hands-on approach and unfiltered style

www.instagram.com/courtneygainsofficial

Courtney Gains on Facebook

Courtney Gains Group on Facebook

Source: ClawHammer PR

The post THÆTAS: New York Avant Death Metal Act With Reeking Aura, Asystole, Needlepusher Members To Release The Irredeemable Age LP On Profound Lore Records June 26th; “For The Hope Devoid” And Preorders Posted appeared first on INFRARED MAGAZINE.

Once upon a time, Parts & Labor might’ve been the catchiest noise-rock band in the land. The New York group always went crazy with serrated synth-blurts and overdriven drumming. But they also belted out huge and hearty rock songs, and their hooks would always shine through the effects. After breaking up and playing their final…

The post Parts & Labor – “Haunted Limbs” appeared first on Stereogum.