Although the band hasn't actually changed its modus operandi,
Morbid Angel has been able to strengthen and deepen their death metal over the years. One listen to
Formulas Fatal to the Flesh makes that clear. At its core, it's death metal, but the group demonstrates more imagination and pure force than almost any of its contemporaries. Not only is Trey Azagthoth's guitar monstrously powerful, but the rhythm section of drummer Pete Sandoval and new bassist/vocalist Stephen Tucker manages to be simultaneously nimble and pummeling. Also, the group has written some of their strongest songs to date -- nothing here relies on pure riffage alone. The end result of the musical and writing vision is one hell of an album and possibly their best record to date. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine