Formation, demos, and Altars of Madness (1983–1990)

The earliest formation of the band was named Ice and was formed in 1983 in Tampa, Florida, by guitarist Trey Azagthoth and drummer/vocalist Mike Browning. The band briefly became known as Heretic, in late 1983, until they became aware of another band with the same name from Los Angeles.

In the early stages of its career it developed a reputation for "gruesome stage antics". The band quickly became highly influential in the formation of the Florida death metal scene, inspiring other highly influential acts such as Obituary. Morbid Angel recorded its debut album, Abominations of Desolation, in 1986, but the band was unsatisfied with the final product and it remained unreleased until 1991, printing 10,000 copies. Azagthoth said in the latter year: "It wasn't up to standards, and I learned a lot from that. A debut album is gonna mark you for life.. It was not good enough." In 1986, David Vincent joined the band, replacing Michael Manson and Sterling von Scarborough as vocalist and bassist respectively. Fellow Terrorizer member, drummer Pete Sandoval, soon followed.