I was very excited when I posted that Rigor Mortis would be releasing a new album, however that was before Mike Scaccia's untimely passing. It's been a few months since, and now news has broke that Dallas-based engineer Kerry Crafton, who engineered the original self-titled for Capitol Records in 1988, has finished mixing the final Rigor Mortis album, Slaves To The Grave.
"This record is amazing. Mike, Bruce Corbitt, Harden Harrison and Casey Orr all performed brilliantly in the recording of this album and I believe they all did the best work of their lives. I feel very lucky to have had the chance to mix this project for such a great group of musicians and friends. The depth and breadth of the material is really awesome. This will, obviously, be the last project from Rigor Mortis, but it is a great final musical statement." – Kerry Crafton
The album was delayed several times while Scaccia was on tour in Europe with Ministry and then when Scaccia suddenly died while performing with Rigor Mortis. Al Jourgensen was the executive producer, and Scaccia produced during the recording sessions. The album had just begun mixing when Scaccia passed:
"After Mikey died, it was very hard to open up the session and get back to mixing. I expected to have my buddy Mike with me as I did all the mixes. Instead, we had just one day together to set up basic tones and for him to explain what was what. It was a couple of weeks before I was able to begin again. When I got back to it, I found it both heartbreaking and cathartic. Though Mike was gone physically, I still was blessed with his musical presence every day as I soldiered on through the tears."
The album is currently being shopped around to different labels in hopes of a Summer 2013 release. (Hint, hint.) We'll be sure to keep you updated on the album's release.
Mike Scaccia will forever be remembered for being one of the greatest guitar players, and undoubtedly one of the fastest, that ever lived. No one can honestly say how many musicians were inspired by Scaccia, but everyone can agree its enough to ensure that Mike Scaccia and his incredible legacy in Ministry and Rigor Mortis will never be forgotten.
If you would like to donate to Mike Scaccia's family fundraiser, you can do so by clicking here. All money donated will go directly to Jenny Scaccia, Mike's wife, to help the Scaccia family during their time of need. So far, 212 people have donated over $12,000 since the account was set up by Bruce Corbitt on December 26.
[via Blabbermouth]
