Band:	Corpse
Album:	Mortal Terror
Style:	Death metal, Grindcore
Release date:	July 02, 1990
Guest review by:	vezzy

01. Intro (Mortal Terror)
02. Spasm
03. Coprophilia
04. Horrible Existence
05. Gonorrhea
06. Incinerating Furnace
07. Awakening In The Morgue
08. C.S.A.A.
09. Disgusting Business With Cadaverous Flesh
10. Napalm
11. Necrosadism
12. Pathological Rotten
13. Onanist
14. Cannibal Story
15. Sepsis
16. Prosector
17. Death Is Imminent
18. Underground [live] [bonus]
19. Onanist [live] [bonus]
20. New Messiah [live] [bonus]
21. Coprophilia [live] [bonus]
22. East Invaders [live] [bonus]

What we've got here, is quite possibly, the pinnacle of Bulgarian extreme metal (in particular, grindcore/death metal). Although black/thrash bands such as Exhumator and blackened death metal acts such as Krater had emerged before, it was Corpse, who after only one year, in 1990, released their debut album Mortal Terror, becoming not only one of (if not) the first grindcore band in Bulgaria, but also the first ones in Bulgaria to perfect the brutal death/grind sound and release it on CD.

Stylistic resemblance to Terrorizer and Extreme Noise Terror is evident throughout the album, with just a more specific buzzing tone prevalent along with just a mild pinch of groove, enough to enhance the sound without damaging it. The production values, although far from perfect, suit the album well and quite surprising also the time and place. The bass is very distorted and fuzzy but it does have its shining moments and serves its purpose by magnifying the otherwise guitar driven sound. The drumming is always alternating between various beats but adapts well to the tempo and force of the music. The vocals are actually standard fare for this genre without being insanely guttural and as such easier to get into. However, there are some well executed manic shrieks to be heard. You certainly can't deny one thing: these guys managed to develop their own style. Not viciously raw, but forceful and robust. Also worth noting is that the songs generally aren't blistering fast but usually range from mid to above mid-tempo.

You can't really say which tracks are the best. Although the second half has the longest songs ("Necrosadism" being the longest, clocking in at 3:33), you need to listen to the entire album to appreciate it at its fullest and to get the right impression of it. There are several less eminent tracks which merely serve to fill in the gap but those aren't very common throughout.

If you want a less wordy and more straight to the point description of it, look at the album art. Then put the adjectives that spring up in your mind as to describing an old school grindcore album. That, is Mortal Terror.

Corpse went on to release two more demos before fading. Two of its members later went on to form the leading Bulgarian brutal death metal band Enthrallment and at some point, their former bassist, Drago, died of unknown causes. If you're a fan of Bulgarian metal, this is a must-have. If you stumble upon it, get it not only for its mild historical significance, but for what it is: an ambitiously played, energetic grindcore album.