Coroner “Dissonance Theory”
Fucking Coroner! If you’re an Extreme Metal enthusiast who’s worth his salt, then this Swiss institution requires no introduction. From ‘87 through ‘93, Coroner released five LPs that made thrash bands over here in The States sound like Jerry’s Kids. Their brand of technically/progressively proficient Thrash Metal placed them among bands like Voivod, Mekong Delta and Toxik, as opposed to Exodus, Testament and Slayer. Lightyears ahead of the game was Coroner’s output, and then following their lesser-favored ‘93 Grin LP? Silence… Perhaps the massive industry shift that took place during the ‘90’s is what stifled Coroner’s ambitions, or perhaps it was interpersonal stuff, but to say that Coroner’s long plays were missed would understate the reality of their absence. Now! 32 freakin’ years later, the Technical/Progressive Thrash Metal mechanism known as Coroner has been revved out of its three decades-long systems shutdown. On October 17, the Land of Milk & Honey’s own shall release Dissonance Theory via Century Media Records.
These guys haven’t missed a step! Hitting the ground running with “Consequence” following the intro, “Oxymoron” - that textbook Coroner style just oozing from every complex riff and every smooth shift in tempo. Carrying over into an ensnaring chorus. A brilliant synergy of complexity and tried & true songwriting methods. There’s an element of power to what I’m hearing that wasn’t always present in their previous recordings - a primal sort of energy that propels forceful solos and condensed rhythms. Groove, tech, shred and that just right futuristic vibe. So far, so good.
Dissonance Theory isn’t all bells & whistles. The ominous “Sacrificial Lamb” plays out during its intro like a primitive, tribal few moments just before the sacrificial dagger draws blood. And then soaring over it all; gliding under the acceleration of a few airy progressions. Eyes closed and in tune with its energy now. Locked in and adapted to the music’s trajectory. Precise yet loose and groovy. Ron Royce proving once again after all these years to have a perfectly-suited voice for Thrash Metal: a little Chuck Billy action but not as grimy. And did I mention the solos? Mind-scrambling shit.
There’s this sweet spot in me that is usually only tantalized by ‘80’s music. That moving sense of melody; catchy but not too repetitive, and Coroner are hitting it. Loving the melody as it transitions from the album’s more powerful parts like an ice-cold Blue Moon after a couple shots of tequila. Catching a buzz now! As I mentioned before, it’s like these guys never stopped. “Symmetry” - a souped-up Dystopia-era Megadeth vibe - dropping jaws and creaming jeans. Galloping and riffing along as triumphant and as majestic as a Stallion running the plains in the golden sundown. Thrash Metal perfection…
The legends of the American and Teutonic scenes can’t do it like this, and that’s why Coroner is so special. Expectations were through the roof for this album. Coroner making it seem easy as a Bunny Ranch Hooker: sexy and voluptuous, voluminous and rich yet technical and progressive. And another banger… “Transparent Eye” alternates between headbanging chugs and savory melodies. Meshuggah-like and transcendental, brutal and highly visual. Sound and vision converging into what is definitely one of the choice cuts on this album.
Loving the intros! Coroner’s musical IQ gleaming through nearly every song, as warm sonic kindles ignite every compositional blaze to come. Worth the wait? I will most certainly say yes! I’m giving all the Thrash Geezers a homework assignment! Go home, eat your Lunchables and study Dissonance Theory. Just try not to get your feelings hurt… A perfectly suitable record considering the vanilla climate of the current international Thrash scene. This is how you stay relevant, kids. A near perfect return-to-form. You’re gonna love this one. I guarantee it. Here’s to Coroner! Here’s to the future of Thrash Metal.
SCORE: 9.5 / 10
