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CORONER "Dissonance Theory"
CORONER "Dissonance Theory"
By Dr. Abner Mality
The last CORONER album "Grin" came out in 1993. The world has changed so much since then (and not for the better, which only an idiot would dispute) that there are hardly words fit to describe the gulf. Yet in 2025, CORONER has returned. Have they also changed beyond recognition?
"Dissonance Theory":will go down as one of the best "comeback" albums ever released. This is everything CORONER was in 1993 but better, more refined. "Grin" was hardly a great album in my book. In every way, "Dissonance Theory" is superior. This is progressive thrash metal at its highest level. The speed is here in spades and so is the anger, but the songs are in a constant state of mutation and transformation. CORONER has always had a kind of jazzy edge to its metal and you will find that here. If RUSH in 1982 had decided to go in a heavier, more guitar-based direction as opposed to synth-drenched new wave, it might have sounded like CORONER does here.
It's just amazing to listen to.There are no weak songs. Each track is precisely as long as it needs to be, which also goes for the album itself. Tommy Vetterli's guitar work is as good as it ever was on "Punishment For Decadence" or "Mental Vortex". Whether it's laser precise thrash riffing, nimble fingered soloing or lighter melodies, he doesn't miss a trick. As for bassist Ron Broder, his vocals are gravelly and sharp but completely understandable. He sounds a lot like KREATOR's Mille but with more anger and cynicism in his voice, which fits the lyrics here to a T. The real revelation is the drumming of "new" member Diego Rapachietti (who's been in the band since 2014). This guy just totally destroys his kit yet is as regular as an atomic clock. He does an amazing job here.
The songs are CORONER for the modern age. "Consequence" thrashes out and sticks in the brain like glue. "Sacrificial Lamb" has a heavier, more ominous feel. "The Law" keeps the heaviness but has a jazz-like flow to it, where "Crisium Bound" emphasizes melody but retains grit. But the real show-stopper is "Renewal", which thrashes like a sonofabitch but is proggy on a level the band has never really achieved before. There's an excellent old school organ solo provided by producer Dennis Russ that's almost 60's/70's in feel yet snuggles right up to the rest of the track.
In every way, this is a superior album by superior musicians and will surely make my top 10 this year. Unlike the DNA strands on the cover art, which appear to be disintegrating, CORONER's own musical DNA is indestructible and tighter than ever.
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