Richard Brunelle was a guitarist who played in the influential death metal band Morbid Angel from 1985 to 1992. He was part of the classic lineup that recorded the albums Altars of Madness and Blessed Are the Sick, which are considered milestones of the genre. He also contributed to the unreleased album Abominations of Desolation, which was later issued as a compilation. He died on September 23, 2019, at the age of 55, leaving behind a legacy of brutal and innovative music. But what was the cause of his death? And what were the challenges and achievements of his life and career? In this article, we will explore the life and death of Richard Brunelle, and pay tribute to his impact on the metal scene.
Early Life and Career
Richard Brunelle was born on June 22, 1964, in Tampa, Florida. He grew up in a musical family, and learned to play guitar at an early age. He was influenced by rock and metal bands such as Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Slayer. He joined Morbid Angel in 1985, after meeting the founder and guitarist Trey Azagthoth. He became the second guitarist of the band, alongside Azagthoth, and added his own style and flair to the songs. He was known for his fast and melodic solos, his use of acoustic guitar, and his experimentation with different tunings and effects.
Brunelle played on Morbid Angel’s first two official albums, Altars of Madness (1989) and Blessed Are the Sick (1991), which are widely regarded as masterpieces of death metal. The albums combined technical proficiency, speed, aggression, and dark themes, and influenced many other bands in the genre. Brunelle also played on the band’s first demo, Thy Kingdom Come (1986), and the unreleased album Abominations of Desolation (1986), which was later released as a compilation in 1991. Brunelle left Morbid Angel in 1992, due to personal and musical differences with Azagthoth. He briefly rejoined the band in 1994, for some live shows, but did not record any new material with them.
Later Years and Struggles
After leaving Morbid Angel, Brunelle pursued other musical projects, such as Paths of Possession, a death metal band that featured George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher of Cannibal Corpse on vocals. He played on the band’s first album, Legacy in Ashes (2000), and a split EP with Dark Faith, The Crypt of Madness (2003). He also formed his own band, called Crushing Skulls, in 2004, but did not release any recordings with them. He occasionally performed live with other bands, such as Genitorturers and Naphobia.
Brunelle also faced many personal and legal problems, mainly related to his drug addiction. He was arrested several times on cocaine-related charges, and spent time in prison and rehab. He struggled to maintain a stable life, and often moved from place to place. He also suffered from health issues, such as diabetes and hepatitis C. He tried to overcome his addiction and get back to music, but he was unable to do so.
Richard Brunelle Cause of Death
, Brunelle died on September 23, 2019, in California. However, the exact cause of his death is not disclosed. His sister-in-law confirmed his passing on social media, saying: “This devastating post is at the request of my husband and his mother. It is with deep regret and sorrow that we inform Richie’s friends and fans that he passed away… Rest in peace, Richie. You were so loved and will be forever missed.” His former bandmates also expressed their condolences and sadness, and praised his talent and contribution to the band.
Richard Brunelle was a talented and influential guitarist, who played a key role in the development of death metal. He played on some of the most acclaimed and groundbreaking albums of the genre, and inspired many other musicians. He also had a unique and creative style, that added diversity and depth to the songs. He was a respected and admired colleague and friend, who had a passion for music. He will be remembered as one of the legends of metal. Rest in peace, Richard Brunelle.
