Suffocation drummer Eric Morotti announced his departure from the death metal band after nearly a decade. He cited a toxic work environment in a birthday statement shared on Instagram.
Morotti’s announcement focused on his decision to prioritize his health and well-being over continuing with the band.
“There comes a point in your life where you pick YOU! You must choose to change, evolve, or be stuck in the same routines forever. Today. On my. Birthday. I have chosen to step away from Suffocation to prolong my health, myself. My integrity,” he said.
The drummer elaborated on the reasons behind his departure. He described his experience with band members.
“I will not work with toxic. Abusive drug addicts. Let alone allow them to boss me around. I’ve been belittled and stepped all over for too long,” he continued.
Morotti also expressed enthusiasm for his current work with another band. He contrasted the environments.
“That being said. I’ve been having an absolute BLAST with Sanguisugabogg and have been shown what it’s like to be part of real FAMILY. no egos, no power trips. Just bros that love music and being together. Catch me on tour with them still on the Lamb of God tour around the USA!! I love you all, thank you very much to all my fans for supporting me over the years, keep your eyes open for what’s next!!” he added.
The departure marks a significant change for the influential death metal band. The band has already moved to secure a replacement drummer for upcoming performances.
Chaoszine reported that Suffocation has announced that Origin drummer John Longstreth will take Morotti’s place for their upcoming live performances. The band has scheduled appearances including support for Cradle of Filth, Welcome to Rockville, and Sonic Temple festivals during the spring 2026 tour cycle.
Morotti had been with Suffocation since approximately 2016. This made his tenure with the band nearly a decade long. The PRP noted that the drummer appears to have burned bridges on his way out. His strongly worded statement left little room for reconciliation.
The situation becomes more complex given Morotti’s involvement in other musical projects. Blunt Magazine revealed that Morotti remains active in the supergroup Ablation. The group includes Sanguisugabogg’s Devin Swank, ex-Dehumanized guitarist Rich Nagasawa, and notably, Suffocation bassist Derek Boyer, who has been with Suffocation since 2004.
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation, Ablation’s upcoming EP will feature guest vocals from ex-Suffocation singer Frank Mullen. This collaboration could potentially complicate relationships following Morotti’s explosive departure from Suffocation. No confirmation exists regarding Morotti’s future with Ablation amid the current conflict.
