Mike Browning, the founding drummer best known for helping launch Morbid Angel, has died at age 62, according to Stereogum. The band confirmed the news on its Instagram account with a short tribute and condolences to his family, especially his daughter.
Browning grew up in Tampa and started playing drums at 13. In a 2006 interview, he said he was drawn to bands like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd before a record store clerk introduced him to metal acts including Iron Maiden and Angelwitch.
He formed Morbid Angel in 1983 with guitarist Trey Azagthoth, a friend from high school. Along with groups such as Death, Deicide and Obituary, the band helped define the Tampa death metal scene with fast drumming and highly technical guitar work.
Browning stayed with Morbid Angel through 1986 and played on the recording of Abominations Of Desolation, which was later released in 1991 after initially being shelved. After leaving the band, he continued working in Florida metal with acts including Nocturnus, Acheron, Incubus and Voodoo Gods, and later revived Nocturnus as Nocturnus AD.
