Coroner occupy a unique place in metal history. Coming from the speed metal camp, they injected their music with technicality and a high art sense that placed them alongside Voivod and Prong as some of the 1980s oddities.
As power metal grew popular in the 2000s, Coroner came back into focus because so much of what they did presaged what power metal would become. As a result, the band re-united and began to play live again.
However, today drummer Marquis Marky announced on Facebook that he will be leaving the band at the end of February:
I think we have played more than enough reunion shows and now it’s time to either stop doing reunion shows or to move on with a new album. For me it was clear from the start that I didn’t want to record another album. I love the sound of Coroner but for me it’s the moment to explore new sounds without the weight of the past on my shoulders.
Ron, Tommy and I agreed that Coroner should continue with another drummer.
As with many situations, strength is also weakness. To be in Coroner is to be weighted down by Coroner, and to thus long for the green grass on the other side of that fence. Thus his departure is understandable; it has been 30 years since Coroner started out, and presumably a musician might change world-outlook and thus musical style during that time.
Tags: coroner, marquis marky, power metal, progressive metal, Speed Metal, switzerland
He also hints that they might be recording new material, so we’ll see what the change brings . . . hopefully something as challenging and interesting as their back catalogue.
Coroner, Anacrusis and Hesenhaus are bands that have released quality speed metal albums. There are other cool bands that kick major ass like: Acrophet, Napalm and Silence (D.C.). These are bands that have a heavy punk influence and have a more violent take on the subgenre. Silence show influence of Slayer without being a speed/death crossover.
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Intruder, Faith of Fear, Master Fury, Heathen, Savage Steel are examples of more heavy metal meets Metallica oriented speed metal also worth checking out.
Damn son! Thanks for name dropping all these bands! As for Coroner, I’ve always loved this band! No More Color is essential album for every metalhead!
If the last release and compilation is any indication, a new Coroner would probably be an alt-rock release, unfortunately.