Coroner – Dissonance Theory (Review)

It finally happened. 32(!) years after their last release, the mind-bending groove metal onslaught entitled Grim in 1993, these highly influential Swiss three-piece simply vanished. And after this absurdly lengthy hiatus, in which it became obvious how far ahead Coroner were when injecting progressive and jazzy elements into their break-neck thrash assualt, influencing countless bands such as household names Gojira, Vektor or Voivod, the time has finally come to rise from the dead and teach the world their own Dissonance Theory once again. The inevitable question is, how do these underground legends and Celtic Frost relatives still hold up against their epigones?

After the subdued and brief intro that is “Oxymoron,” the simply titled “Consequence” wastes no time in demonstrating that the guys have not lost a step throughout the years. Starting off with a dissonant intro riff and some organ background sounds, the track kicks you in the nuts with aggressive double kicks, razor-sharp riffing and the iconic barks provided by Bass-Man Ron Broder. And despite being fairly technical, dissonant and progressive in its structure (see the calm break after the 2 minute mark) the trio showcases a newly (?) found knack for hooks. Listening to this track raises the question if the guys really did not have any fun (get it?) when creating this LP. Because it definitely sounds otherwise.

This is also apparant during the numerous solos Tommy Vetterli virtuosly performs on this bad boy. This guy clearly knows his game and proves why he is one of the most underrated axe-man in metal. From dissonant headbobbing inducing riffs as in “Sacrificial Lamb” to absurd scaling fretwork, he serves as the hidden champion, always knowing when to provide melodic counterpoints, rhythmic breaks or straight forward shred material. That of course does not mean, the other guys are slouches either. Diego Rappachietti serves as the rhythmic backbone that drives the songs with poly-rhythmic tempi, intricate cymbal work and grooving kick variations. See the insane “Crisium Bound” for further reference. Ron Royce still sounds a lot like Tom G Warrior but manages to spit the lyrical themes with confidence and enough vitriol to carry the hooks into your brain. His bass work also supports the riff-centered rhythm fest that is Dissonance Theory.

Coroner is a really hard band to classify but it is very obvious that they have always been very proficient musicians. Their sound is progressive, straight forward, melodic, dissonant and aggressive but also subdued and intricate. Which sounds messy on paper also serves as one of their biggest strengths. Although the material can seem a little bit one-note on first impression, it unfolds another layer with every spin, underlining why these elder statesmen were so influential in the first place. Just listen to “Symmetry” or the more relaxed “Trinity” and tell me this isn’t a demonstration of power with a straight face. Many bands might be harder, many bands might be catchier or more progressive, but none of them combines these elements as satisfying as Coroner. And while their general approach to writing songs has not changed that much during their absence, the modern but not overprocessed production really gives the songs the extra punch they need (that high-speed passage in the Law is chef’s kiss) and fits the bands modern incarnation well. Especially on more straight-forward tracks such as pre-released ripper Renewal.

I could waste another thousand words on why this record is so damn good. Simply put, Dissonance Theory strikes as a total success and impressive comeback record that should remind every fan of Gojira, Meshuggah or Vektor which band originally put progressive leanings into modern metal. Let’s just hope Coroner will finally get the recognition they rightfully deserve, demonstrating their Dissonance Theory on many stages for years to come.