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Drummer Eric Morotti Exits Suffocation: "I Will Not Work With Toxic, Abusive Drug Addicts."

Drummer Eric Morotti has parted ways with New York death metal band Suffocation after nearly a decade with the group, and his exit appears to have been less than amicable. In a statement shared via his Instagram Story on April 10th, Morotti said:

“Thanks for the birthday wishes. My gift to myself is walking away from a toxic group, and knowing my worth. I’m choosing me from now on, I will be not teaming with addicts anymore.

Peace and love, there’s a lot in store for me, keep your eyes peeled!”

In a separate Instagram post, Morotti clarified that his comments were indeed directed at Suffocation:

“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 @suffocationofficial to prolong my health, myself. My integrity. 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.

That being said. I’ve been having an absolute BLAST with @sanguisugaboggband 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 @lambofgod 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!!”

As Morotti noted, he remains active with Ohio death metal band Sanguisugabogg as well as the supergroup Ablation, which also features Devin Swank and former Dehumanized guitarist Rich Nagasawa.

That situation could get complicated, however, as Ablation’s lineup also includes Suffocation bassist Derek Boyer—potentially creating tension following Morotti’s turbulent exit. Adding another layer, former Suffocation frontman Frank Mullen appears as a guest on Ablation’s upcoming debut EP. Morotti had been with Suffocation since 2016, while Boyer has held down bass duties for the band since 2004.

Although Suffocation have yet to publicly respond to Morotti’s claims, they have confirmed that Origin drummer John Longstreth will step in for upcoming live performances. In a statement issued just hours before Morotti’s post, the band said:

“SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! For our upcoming shows in Spring 2026 including support to Cradle of Filth, Welcome to Rockville and Sonic Temple we are beyond excited to announce that legendary drummer John Longstreth (Origin) will be joining us behind the drums as a very SPECIAL GUEST!

Known for his incredible speed, precision, and groundbreaking work in extreme metal, John will be the perfect fit to Suffocation‘s energy making this something you do NOT want to miss!

Tickets on sale now at www.SuffocationOfficial.com/tour

SUFFOCATION SPRING NORTH AMERICA TOUR 2026

Apr 26 – Wilmington, DE – The Queen
Apr 27 – Asheville, NC – Eulogy
Apr 28 – Memphis, TN – 1884 Lounge
Apr 30 – San Antonio, TX – Aztec Theatre*
May 1 – Ft. Worth, TX – Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall*
May 3 – Corpus Christi, TX – House of Rock*
May 4 – Houston, TX – House of Blues*
May 5 – Oklahoma City – Diamond Ballroom*
May 7 – Daytona Beach, FL – Welcome to Rockville^
May 8 – Pensacola, FL – Vinyl Music Hall*
May 9 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade*
May 10 – Charlotte, NC – Neighborhood Theatre
May 11 – Washington, DC – The Black Cat*
May 12 – McKees Rock, PA – Roxian Theatre*
May 14 – Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple^
May 16 – Saginaw, MI – The Vault*
May 17 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave#
May 19 – Chicago, IL – Bottom Lounge*
May 20 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater*
May 21 – Lawrence, KS – The Granada*
May 22 – Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theatre*
May 23 – Englewood, CO – Gothic Theatre*
May 25 – Springfield, MO – Regency Live
May 26 – Indianapolis, IN – The Black Circle

^Festival
*supporting Cradle of Filth
#supporting Sepultura and Cradle of Filth“