Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the metal archives to unearth a truly mythical beast: the unreleased album from the legendary death metal band, Ripping Corpse. For those who don't know, Ripping Corpse was a super influential, albeit short-lived, band that made a significant impact on the death metal scene in the late 80s and early 90s. Their unique blend of technicality, brutality, and outright weirdness set them apart from their contemporaries, and their debut album, "Dreaming With the Dead," is still considered a classic. But what about the album that never saw the light of day? That's what we're here to explore.

The Rise and Fall of Ripping Corpse

First, a little background. Ripping Corpse formed in New Jersey in the late 1980s, a fertile time for extreme metal. The lineup featured guitarist Erik Rutan, who would later go on to form Hate Eternal and become a renowned producer; vocalist Scott Ruth; bassist Dave Szczesniak; and drummer Brandon Thomas. Their sound was an unholy amalgamation of death metal ferocity and technical precision, drawing comparisons to bands like Atheist and Cynic, but with a distinctly darker and more brutal edge. "Dreaming With the Dead," released in 1991, was a landmark album that showcased their incredible musicianship and twisted songwriting. Tracks like "Dementia," "Rift of Decay," and the title track became instant classics, and the album cemented Ripping Corpse's place in death metal history. The album's complex arrangements, blistering tempos, and Ruth's guttural vocals created a truly unique and terrifying listening experience. One of the defining characteristics of Ripping Corpse was their ability to blend technical complexity with raw, visceral energy. Erik Rutan's guitar work was particularly noteworthy, characterized by intricate riffs, unconventional harmonies, and a relentless assault of shredding. The rhythm section, consisting of Szczesniak and Thomas, provided a solid and dynamic foundation, seamlessly navigating the band's challenging compositions. Scott Ruth's vocals were equally distinctive, a guttural roar that perfectly complemented the band's chaotic soundscapes. His lyrics, often dealing with themes of death, decay, and psychological horror, added another layer of darkness to the band's music.

Despite the success and critical acclaim of "Dreaming With the Dead," Ripping Corpse disbanded shortly after its release. Various reasons have been cited for their demise, including internal conflicts, creative differences, and the ever-present challenges of making a living as a death metal band. Whatever the specific reasons, the breakup of Ripping Corpse was a significant loss to the metal world, leaving fans wondering what might have been.

The Unreleased Album: A Glimpse into the Abyss

So, what about this unreleased album? Well, details are scarce, shrouded in mystery and whispers among die-hard fans. What we do know is that Ripping Corpse began working on new material after "Dreaming With the Dead," with the intention of recording a follow-up album. Some demos and rehearsal recordings allegedly exist, offering tantalizing glimpses into the direction the band was heading. These recordings, though often of poor quality, have become legendary among collectors and enthusiasts. The tracks are rumored to be even more complex and experimental than those on "Dreaming With the Dead," pushing the boundaries of death metal even further. Imagine even more intricate riffs, even more blast beats, and even more guttural vocals! It's the stuff of legend.

From what can be pieced together, the unreleased material seems to represent a natural progression from "Dreaming With the Dead," while also exploring new sonic territories. The songs are said to be even more technical and dissonant, with a greater emphasis on atmosphere and experimentation. Some have described the material as being almost progressive in its approach, incorporating elements of jazz and avant-garde music into the band's already complex sound. Lyrically, the songs are rumored to delve into even darker and more disturbing themes, exploring the depths of human depravity and the horrors of the subconscious. The unreleased album is often described as being a more ambitious and challenging work than "Dreaming With the Dead," pushing the boundaries of death metal and exploring new sonic territories. While "Dreaming With the Dead" was a groundbreaking album in its own right, the unreleased material is said to represent an even greater leap forward, showcasing the band's willingness to experiment and push the limits of their creativity.

The Tracks That Haunt Us

Specific song titles and details are hard to come by, but a few titles have surfaced in various online forums and discussions. These include (but are not limited to): "Cadaveric Seizure," "Necrotic Apparition," and "Visceral Dementia." Again, these are unconfirmed, but they paint a pretty gruesome picture, don't they? These titles suggest a continuation of the band's fascination with death, decay, and psychological horror, hinting at the dark and disturbing themes that the unreleased album might have explored. It's worth noting that these titles are based on hearsay and speculation, and may not accurately reflect the actual content of the unreleased material.

Why Was It Never Released?

The million-dollar question! Why did this album remain buried? As mentioned earlier, the band's breakup played a major role. Once Ripping Corpse dissolved, the unreleased material was essentially shelved, lost to time and the vagaries of the music industry. It's also possible that the band members themselves weren't entirely satisfied with the material, or that they felt it wasn't ready for release. Erik Rutan, in particular, has been known to be a perfectionist, so it's conceivable that he felt the songs needed more work before they could be unleashed upon the world. The lack of a record label to support the project could have also been a contributing factor, as recording and releasing an album requires significant financial resources.

The Legacy and the Hope

Despite its obscurity, the unreleased Ripping Corpse album has become a holy grail for death metal fans. The mystique surrounding it only adds to its allure, fueling speculation and driving fans to search for any scrap of information. It represents a tantalizing glimpse into what could have been, a testament to the band's immense talent and potential. The unreleased album serves as a reminder of the band's groundbreaking contributions to the genre and their enduring influence on countless musicians. Even though the album never saw the light of day, its legend continues to grow, inspiring new generations of death metal fans and musicians. It is a testament to the power of music to transcend its physical form and live on in the hearts and minds of those who appreciate it.

Will it ever be officially released? That remains to be seen. Licensing issues, the availability of the original recordings, and the willingness of the former band members to revisit the material would all be factors. But hey, a guy can dream, right? Imagine a meticulously remastered version of these lost tracks, complete with liner notes and archival photos. It would be a monumental event for the death metal community! Until then, we'll just have to keep scouring the internet for those elusive demos and keep the legend of the unreleased Ripping Corpse album alive. Keep the faith, metalheads!

So, there you have it, guys! The story of the unreleased Ripping Corpse album – a tantalizing mystery that continues to fascinate and intrigue death metal fans around the world. Whether it ever sees the light of day or remains forever buried, its legend will undoubtedly endure, a testament to the band's immense talent and their lasting impact on the genre. Keep those horns up and keep searching for the lost riffs!

In conclusion, the unreleased Ripping Corpse album stands as a testament to the band's innovative spirit and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of death metal. While its fate remains uncertain, its legend will undoubtedly continue to grow, inspiring new generations of musicians and fans alike. The story of Ripping Corpse serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating the legacy of extreme metal, ensuring that the contributions of these groundbreaking artists are not forgotten.