CORONER – Dissonance Theory

A comeback that many had been waiting for—finally here, after a full 32 years. And the first real question to ask is: how much does Coroner have to say after all this time?

 

Well, quite a lot, starting with the long hiatus. The Swiss trio had been inactive for 14 years, from 1996 to 2010, during which there seemed little chance of a return to the scene. However, Ron Royce and Thomas Vetterli, the two founding members, made a completely opposite decision when they realized that both fans and major festivals wanted to see them back on stage.

This is hardly surprising. The band’s quality has been evident since 1983, when they shook up the thrash metal scene with a more technical, experimental approach. Coroner released albums such as R.I.P. (1987), Punishment for Decadence (1988), and No More Color (1989). All were exceptional for their innovation and intricate structures.

 

After the reunion, excitement hadn’t yet peaked. Everyone was waiting for another crucial step: a new album. Initially, optimism was low. Then everything changed with the arrival of Diego Rapachietti. He was tasked with replacing Markus Edelmann, the steady heartbeat of all previous records, including Mental Vortex (1991) and Grin (1993). Not an easy job. He gradually mastered it, bringing the band to the milestone of their sixth album, Dissonance Theory.

 

The opener, Oxymoron, sets a tense atmosphere with drones and dissonant chords. It leads into the syncopated, complex riffing of Consequence. This track is built on odd-time signatures and Royce’s pulsing fretless bass. Sacrificial Lamb slows the pace. It alternates heavy grooves and dynamic pauses that highlight Rapachietti’s surgical drumming. Crisium Bound blends mechanical riffs with electronic elements, recalling Grin’s experimental approach. With Symmetry, the band finds a perfect balance between order and power. The cyclical structure allows each instrument to harmonize with the melody and impact. A central solo shows a new, almost fusion-like fluidity from Vetterli. Transparent Eye and Trinity explore more progressive territories. Both use polyrhythms and modal phrasing. Renewal brings back aggression, a hallmark of the No More Color era. Finally, Prolonging, enriched with Hammond organ notes, adds depth and closes the album with a solemn tone.

 

An album like Dissonance Theory was exactly what the scene needed. Coroner has delivered a record that feels undeniably old-school but remains fresh, original, and ingenious. And this isn’t just thanks to their over four decades of experience—it’s also the result of the endless talent of the members, Vetterli in particular, whose artistry has always defined the band’s identity. Long-awaited, yes—but absolutely worth it, because we’re facing one of the frontrunners for Album of the Year.