Review Summary: Coroner's (amazing) transition album
Punishment for Decadence is a landmark on Coroner’s career. It is their second album, and also the one which could be considered as “transitional”. Now, usually, transitional albums are not salient within a band’s discography and tend to be overlooked, as they show them in a phase of changes. However this should not be the case, as Coroner’s
Punishment for Decadence stands as top-notch Technical Thrash album.
The reference to this album being a transitional one is based on that here is where Coroner starts to put more emphazise on the sound that would make them such a respected name in the Thrash scene. One could easily state that it is an excellent combination of both
R.I.P. and
No More Color, and that is a pretty accurate way of describing the sound of
Punishment for Decadence. Coroner adds some more focused songwriting and twisted melodies to the rawness and technical prowess showed on their debut to create a more coherent and solid release.
Instrumentation is, as expected, exquisite, especially Tommy Vetterli’s particular, tasty way of riffing which is noticeable from the very first song,
Absorbed, a great track to open the album. Ron Broder’s incredibly fast bass playing complements in a good way with the guitars and holds the rhythm section, taking to account that there is only one guitarist. Also, Markus Edelmann drums show a more active role than on
R.I.P., something that enhances the overall feel of the album.
Production is benefitial on this album for its raw sound. Not crystal clear but somewhat unclean and crude, it fits well with the wall of sound created by the band and Broder’s singular yet very likeable vocals. It is certainly similar to their debut in that sense, and this is also Coroner’s last album with such a raspy production.
So
Punishment for Decadence could be considered Coroner’s transitional album, the point where the band starts to lean to a yet more technical and twisted style. The swiss trio adds some progressive elements on their Thrash to make a remarkable album on its own. And still, the best is yet to come.
