Description

Rigor Mortis – VS The Earth – Compact Disc

Vs. The Earth is the third studio album by the American thrash metal band Rigor Mortis. Released in 1997, this album came out several years after their previous release and showcases the band’s characteristic blend of intense thrash metal with elements of horror themes and dark, aggressive lyrics.

Rigor Mortis is known for their fast, aggressive thrash metal style, characterized by rapid guitar riffs, intense drumming, and harsh vocals. Vs. The Earth continues in this vein, delivering a powerful, raw sound that is both technically proficient and relentlessly energetic. The themes often revolve around horror, violence, and apocalyptic scenarios, aligning with the band’s dark aesthetic.

Two schoolmates Harden Harrison (drums) and Casey Orr (bass) formed the band when they met Mike Scaccia (guitar). The three young men shared an interest in horror/gore films and very heavy music. With Bruce Corbitt on vocals they created some of the heaviest thrash metal at the time often flirting with death metal. They were also one of the only major thrash bands from Texas and virtually created the underground metal scene there.

Key Tracks:

‘Throwback’ – A high-energy track featuring blistering guitar work and aggressive vocals, typical of the band’s intense style.
‘SOG’ – Showcases Rigor Mortis’s ability to blend speed with intricate musicianship, delivering a track that is both complex and hard-hitting.
‘Speedwhore’ – Known for its fast pace and raw energy, this song exemplifies the band’s thrash metal roots.
‘Contagious Contamination’ – A track that delves into themes of disease and apocalypse, highlighting the band’s penchant for dark and disturbing subject matter.

Vs. The Earth was well-received by fans of the band and thrash metal enthusiasts. The album reinforced Rigor Mortis’s reputation for creating intense, high-energy music that pushes the boundaries of the genre. Critics appreciated the technical skill and relentless energy that the band brought to this release.

Rigor Mortis has been a significant influence in the thrash metal scene, and Vs. The Earth contributes to their legacy as pioneers of the genre. The album captures the raw, unfiltered aggression that fans have come to expect from the band and serves as a testament to their enduring impact on thrash metal.

For fans of thrash metal and those interested in exploring the darker, more aggressive side of the genre, Vs. The Earth by Rigor Mortis is a must-listen. The album stands as a powerful example of the band’s ability to deliver intense, high-octane music with a distinct horror-themed edge.

Mike Scaccia has also played with industrial metal band Ministry

Casey Orr has also played in the shock rock band GWAR, as the character Beefcake the Mighty.

Triple XXX Records

Song List
1. Dying In My Sleep
2. Mummified
3. Throwback
4. Contagious Contamination
5. Rack, The
6. Psycho Therapy
7. City In Fear
8. Asphyxia
9. Dead Fish
10. SOG
11. Speedwhore
12. Afterbirth Of A Midget