Inspired by the speed and aggression of thrash, Morbid Angel cranked up the complexity and intensity of metal to a terrifying extreme in the late '80s and early '90s. With their pounding blast beats, gruesomely violent lyrics and breakneck riffs the Tampa outfit defined the sound of death metal, and virtuoso guitarist Trey Azagthoth set a new standard for savagery, firing off one insanely intricate solo after another. While they would eventually abandon the shocking rawness of their early work for a more polished sound, Morbid Angel have never compromised when it comes to visceral brutality.