Drawing from the darker, more extreme elements of Death, Slayer, and Kreator, New Jersey’s Ripping Corpse set out to break free from the conventions of their death and thrash metal peers.

Though their time together was short-lived, the band was relentless in their pursuit of sonic intensity, honing their craft through constant rehearsals and several demos. Under the guidance of guitarist Shaune Kelley, many of these songs culminated in their sole full-length release, Dreaming with the Dead.

Combining the blistering technicality of death metal with a raw, hardcore attitude, the album was remarkably ahead of its time. Sadly, issues with the band’s label and management halted the band's momentum before they could develop their sound further.

Regardless, Dreaming with the Dead stands as both a powerful statement and precursor of things to come. Several members would later carry the torch in the equally intense Dim Mak. The album also launched the career of guitarist / producer Erik Rutan, who went on to play in Morbid Angel, Hate Eternal, and Cannibal Corpse, and operate his acclaimed studio, Mana Recording.

While Dreaming with the Dead has since established itself as a cult classic of the era, one question will always remain: What could've been?

Recommendations:

Human Remains - Using Sickness as a Hero

Stomach - Low Demon

Stress Positions - Human Zoo

Gold Dust - In the Shade of the Living Light

Hate Eternal - Fury and Flames

Pelican - Flickering Resonance

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