Rotting Corpse

F

orming in July 1985, Rotting Corpse featured founding members Walt Traschsler (guitar/vocals) and John Perez(guitar). Soon after, Jim Mulqueen (vocals) joined the team. Rotting Corpse would feature several drummers in its history including Dave Gryler, Randy Cook, and Louie Carrisalez (ex-Helldogs). The bass position had been no less frustrating and after several attempts at finding a competent bassist, Steve Murphy (ex-Eldritch Rite) joined in 1987.

In the spring of 1986, Rotting Corpse announced themselves by recording a 3-track demo including the tracks Rotting Corpse, War On Drugs, and Evil Slaughter. The tape sold well in a time when thrash metal was just starting to come onto its own, and at a time when it was non-existent in their hometown; their name chosen to catch people's attention.

In the summer of 1987, John Perez and Jim 'Moe' Mulqueen left the band, with Randy Cook (drums) also leaving temporarily. Soon after, their next demo Fuck It, It's Only Thrash (1987) arrived, the tracks of note being: Those without conscience, Evolvement, The Price of God and When it Rains, it Pours. Roger from San Antonio's Hellpreacher (Real Name: Roger Gallardo) joined as the second guitarist, with Louie Carrisalez stepping in to play drums. Walter Traschsler then also took over vocals. With this line-up, Rotting Corpse played with Dark Angel at shows in Austin, San Antonio and Corpus Christi. After the shows, Mark Salis took over bass for a time while Carrisalez and current guitarist Traschsler decided to leave as well later that year. It wasn't long, however, before Randy Cook returned as drummer, while Luke Brewer joined as guitarist. In 1988 Steve Murphy returned as well on bass, but remained dedicated to his other project (started since his leaving), Process Revealed, over the next two years during the Rotting Corpse's downtime.