Rigor Mortis

I

n the late 1980s thrash metal was popular and bands like Rigor Mortis benefited from the times, even getting onto major labels. Their debut self-titled album under the administration of Mike Scaccia (guitar), Casey Orr (bass), Harden Harrison (drums) and Bruce Corbitt (vocals) was a competent, energetic all-thrash album on the 'Capitol' label. Doyle Bright stepped in to take over vocals for the follow-up EP Freaks (1989) on 'Metal Blade' and Rigor Mortis vs. The Earth (1991) on an indie label proving to be a more Hardcore-ish affair. The albums never managed to rise them above cult status, which most likely lead to the band's demise.

In 2003 the bulk of the act (Mike Scaccia, Casey Orr, Harden Harrison) returned with the intent on recording again, but Scaccia's and Harrison's commitments with Ministry and Speedealer respectively stifled the efforts.

The act would eventually reform but following the death of guitarist Mike Scaccia of a heart attack on December 23rd, 2012, the band broke up permanently. The only remaining recordings from this time, Slaves to the Grave (2014) and Freaks Demo '89 EP (2018) would be released posthumously. Bruce Corbitt would die of cancer in 2019.