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Devour the Domination
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Class 6(66)
Coroner: Mental vortex
18/07/07 || Global Domination
Released: 1991
Introduction
Year 1991, and thrash’s heyday was over. Let’s admit it, most of the genre’s truly classic records, as word of mouth from those old farts we know has it, were done in the 80’s. The way I see it, since I was obviously not around the metal scene back then, is fucken different. Nostalgia ain’t got shit on me, I started listening to some basic metal back in 1994, and involutioned (nope, that’s not a word) from there, so fuck yer history, I’ll rewrite it my way.
At this point, this side of the ocean, Metallica had crapped out, Megadeth and Slayer were about to get started on the doctorate of SUCK, Anthrax was sucking lotsa cock already, Testament was slightly slumping and so was Exodus. Luckily, European shores still harbored some hope though, because even with Destruction starting to decay, Kreator, Sodom and Coroner were still flying the flag strongly and put out some quality albums that never received all the attention they rightly deserved. (Note by self: the reviewer actually thinks most of the above is true, if you’ve got a problem with it, turn the other cheek so I can bitch slap ya!)
Coroner’s brand of jazzy thrash was different, and that’s probably why they never became huge, but let me tell ya something: if you know Coroner, you know quality thrash. Technical, fairly complex and ultimately brilliant, it’s a shame they never received the proper exposure. Being from Switzerland probably didn’t help either, I guess. Only them and Celtic Frost ever came guns blazing outta that neck in the woods. At this point, they came up with, in my opinion, the strongest record of their career, “Mental Vortex”. Global domination should have ensued, but sadly never materialized. This album is so fucken mindblowing that it should be in metal textbooks.
Songwriting
10. As with every great album out there, the songwriting is where the greatness lies. Adventurous and gripping, there’s not a single weak song or riff in this record. Every song is excellent or above average to say the least. This is both traditional thrash and technicality mixed on perfect doses. Energy and aggression are so hand in hand, it’s fucken beautiful. Swirling, spiraling and a bit difficult to assimilate at first listens, but extremely satisfying once you do. I fucken shudder every time I listen to this album, it gives you both the urge to headbang and a cold, vomit-related feeling in the stomach, due to the creepiness present in some of these riffs. “Son of Lilith” is one of my favorites songs ever. Hell, I even made a ringtone out of its main riff! The opener, “Semtex Revolution” and “About Life” are all excellent examples of the awesomeness of this record. Even the wacky, thrashed out and unusual choice of a Beatles cover is done tastefully.
Production
8. The production helps a lot, since some of their previous works were lacking a good one. This album got treated properly, adding more crunch to the guitars, plus an overall cleaner and more polished sound.
Guitars
No Coroner review should fail to mention and glorify the absolutely destructive guitar abilities of Tommy T. Baron, the trademark of the band’s sound. His sheer genius easily makes him a king on the hill of guitar players. His sweeping heavy riffs are full of hooks, thicker than axle grease. His solos are incredibly enhancing to the songs, always making sense within the structure. He flies through the fretboard, full throttle speed and remarkably fluid. Check the solos on “Son of Lilith”, “Pale Sister” and “Semtex Revolution” for evidence. The man simply fucken slays with the guitar!
Vocals
8. Ron Royce’s vocals are of the snarling rabid dog variety, vicious and powerful enough, but nothing extraordinary. They fit well within the music anyway.
Bass
8. Ron’s bass rumbles along the guitars for the ride, low in the mix but audible enough, since the emphasis shouldn’t be on it. Pretty well played though, with enough technical prowess to keep up, all in all.
Drums
9. Marky Mark’s drumming is well executed, tight and locked step-by-step with the guitars, keeping time with precision despite the unusual rhythms and arrangements that dominate the songs.
Lyrics
8. All of them written by Mark, and fucken weird to say the least.
Cover art
6. Some distressed looking dude making some hand signal, fuck if I know what it might mean, though.
Logo
8. Simple, yet elegant font, and a weird skull with three spokes, probably some esoteric symbol I know shit about.
Booklet
7. Simple stuff with more weird drawings, lyrics and info.
Overall and ending rant
9. While it can be argued that “No More Color” and “Grin” also have enough merits to be named Coroner’s best album, I think this is it. Their ultimate statement. A band that is capable of creating very good records so consistently is always rare. That these guy were so fucken good and never received the recognition they should have is an injustice. Musicianship, creativity and power, what else is fucken required? Fuck if I know, but stuff like this makes my day!