Mike Browning, the founding drummer of the death metal band Morbid Angel, has died at the age of 62. His bandmates confirmed the news in a statement, remembering him as a 'true pioneer' of the genre.
A founding member of Morbid Angel
Browning co-founded Morbid Angel in 1983 alongside guitarist Trey Azagthoth, originally under the names Ice and then Heretic. The band became one of the first to feature guttural vocals, a hallmark of death metal. Browning left the group in 1986 after a falling out with Azagthoth, the same year their debut album Abominations of Desolation was recorded. The album was not released until 1991, years after his departure.
Tributes from the metal community
Morbid Angel said in a statement: 'R.I.P Mike, thanks for helping make all this happen. Our condolences to his family & especially his daughter.' Megadeth drummer Dirk Verbeuren called Browning a 'musical legend and truly the nicest guy,' adding, 'I can't believe you're gone. Thank you for your music and for all the good chats.'
Profound Lore Records wrote: 'RIP death metal legend/visionary and sci-fi death metal godfather Mike Browning of Nocturnus/Nocturnus AD. It has been an honour good sir. Now journey beyond the gateway to the outer void!' Guitarist Michael Amott remarked: 'Damn, that's a shock. True DM legend. Still have the letters and tapes we traded in the late 80s, met him in FL in 1990 and he was very cool. R.I.P.'
Legacy and later career
Morbid Angel's first studio album, Altars of Madness (1989), is regarded as one of the most important death metal albums ever released. After leaving Morbid Angel, Browning worked with several other metal bands, including Nocturnus, Acheron, and After Death. His band Nocturnus AD last performed in 2024 at Swarm Fest after releasing the album Unicursal earlier that year.
Survived by daughter
Browning is survived by his daughter Bela, who thanked fans for their messages, calling him 'an amazing person and an even better father.' She added: 'Thank you for this beautiful post — he was an amazing man and loved his work in music so very much.'
