Coroner

Coroner is a Swiss thrash metal band from Zurich, Switzerland, active since 1983. The group is associated with technical thrash metal and progressive metal, and its sound also draws on alternative metal, avant-garde metal and groove metal. Its line-up centres on Ron Broder, Marky Edelmann and Tommy Vetterli, with Diego Rapacchietti also listed among the members.

Background and style

The band begins as part of the Zurich extreme metal scene and first works as road crew for Celtic Frost before forming its own group. Early on, it records the demo Death Cult in 1986, with Tom G. Warrior of Celtic Frost on vocals. Coroner develops from speed metal with gothic and classical overtones into a more technical, progressive style, and its music is known for combining thrash with progressive rock, jazz and industrial metal. Critics often describe the band as the “Rush of thrash metal” because of its complex arrangements and progressive approach.

Its lyrics move from early metal themes towards politics and personal introspection. The group’s reputation is strongest in Europe, where it attracts more attention than elsewhere.

Albums and development

Coroner’s first full-length album, R.I.P., appears in 1987 and features Ron Broder on vocals. Broder then remains the singer for the rest of the band’s active years. The follow-up, Punishment for Decadence, develops the band’s more complex interplay, including a stronger unison between bass and guitar and more varied tempo shifts.

No More Color is produced by Pete Hinton and the band and pushes the technical side further, with intricate guitar patterns, chromatic soloing and drum parts that use odd time signatures. Ron Royce’s bass playing is notable for its advanced three-finger technique, which allows him to double the rhythm line while also playing more detailed riffs. Mental Vortex continues this direction while bringing back more speed-metal elements. Grin takes the band towards a darker, more industrial sound and a slower, more refined approach. The later compilation Coroner collects unreleased material and selected tracks from earlier releases.

Activity, split and reunion

Coroner releases albums through 1993 and then issues a greatest-hits compilation in 1995. It disbands in 1995 and plays a farewell tour in early 1996. After reunion discussions in 2005 do not proceed, the band reunites in 2010 and returns to live activity. It later appears in the game Brütal Legend with the song “Skeleton On Your Shoulder”.

Discography and releases

The band’s discography includes R.I.P., Punishment for Decadence, No More Color, Mental Vortex, Grin and Dissonance Theory. Other releases include the compilation The Unknown Unreleased Tracks 1985-95, the demo Death Cult, the live split Doomsday News III - Thrashing East Live, and the videos No More Color Tour '90 - Live in East Berlin, “Masked Jackal”, “Last Entertainment” and “I Want You (She's So Heavy)”. Singles include “Die By My Hand”, “Purple Haze” and “I Want You (She's So Heavy)”.

Membership

Current members are Ron Broder, Marky Edelmann, Tommy Vetterli and Diego Rapacchietti. Earlier members listed include Chris Vetterli, Oliver Amberg and Peter Haas. The band also works with Tom G. Warrior on the Death Cult demo and with Gary Marlowe on ambient synthesizers and keyboards on Punishment for Decadence.

Record label

Coroner records on Noise Records.