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Coroner's 1989 release, "No More Color," stands as a seminal moment in thrash metal history. The Swiss band's third album, marked by technical prowess and socio-political lyricism, redefined the genre. Produced by Tom Morris, its innovative sound, showcased in tracks like "No More Color" and "Read My Scars," solidified Coroner's status as a trailblazing force in heavy metal, leaving an enduring impact on subsequent generations of metal enthusiasts.
In the world of heavy metal history, the year 1989 stands as a pivotal moment, marked by the release of "No More Color," the third full-length album by the Swiss thrash metal juggernauts, Coroner. This opus not only solidified the band's status within the global metal community but also showcased their innovative approach to the genre, pushing boundaries and setting a new standard for technical proficiency and musical sophistication.
Coroner, hailing from Zürich, Switzerland, was formed in the early '80s by drummer Marquis Marky, guitarist Tommy T. Baron, and bassist Ron Broder. The band quickly garnered attention with their unique blend of thrash metal, progressive elements, and intricate technicality. As they honed their craft and gained a following through their earlier releases, Coroner's musical prowess became increasingly evident, setting the stage for the creation of "No More Color."
Released in September 1989 under the Noise International label, "No More Color" showcased a band at the height of their creative powers. The album cover, featuring a striking and vivid artwork by the renowned Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon, perfectly encapsulated the essence of the music within – a fusion of aggressive thrash metal and intricate, thought-provoking compositions.
The recording process for "No More Color" took place at Germany's Sky Trak Studio, with the band collaborating with renowned producer Tom Morris. Morris, known for his work with bands like Kreator and Sepultura, brought his expertise to the table, helping Coroner achieve a sound that was both raw and refined. The result was an album that pushed the boundaries of thrash metal, incorporating complex time signatures, unconventional song structures, and thought-provoking lyrics.
Swiss Thrash Metal
Noise International N 0138-1 / NUK 138 / Dark Wings Inc.
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1989 Made in Germany
This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by Coroner
Produced by Pete Hinton and Coroner
Pete Hinton is a British Music producer, during the 1980s he has produced records for bands like: Saxon , Demon , Deathwish, Coroner and many others.
Karl-Ulrich Walterbach - Executive Producer
Dan Johnson - Producer, Sound Engineer, Mix Engineer
Steve Rispin - Sound/recording engineer:
Martin Becker - Photographer
Ron Royce (aka Ron Broder) - Vocals/Bass
Ron Royce (real name: Ron Broder) vocals and bass guitar player with the Swiss Thrash Metal band "Coroner" since 1984.
Tommy T.Baron (real name Thomas Vetterli) - Guitars
Tommy T. Baron (real name: Thomas Vetterli) guitar player with the Swiss Thrash Metal band "Coroner" since 1985.
Marquis Marky (aka Marky Edelmann) - Drums
Marquis Marky (real-name Marky Edelmann) drummer with the Swiss Thrash Metal band Coroner from 1983 till 1996. Also responsible for Coroner's album cover design during the 1980. designed album cover for "Celtic Frost's" album "Tragic Serenades".
The album cover for ‘No More Color’ by Coroner is strikingly minimalist yet intense. It features a black-and-white photograph of a figure covering their face with both hands, creating an air of mystery and tension. The dim lighting casts shadows across the hands and hair, adding a sense of despair or introspection to the image.
On the right side, the album and band names appear vertically in a classic Gothic font, enhancing the dark aesthetic. The emblem of the record label, Noise International, is placed near the bottom, featuring a triskelion-like symbol within a circular crest. This stark design reflects the somber, complex tone of the Swiss thrash metal band’s music, emphasizing themes of inner conflict and darkness, characteristic of the late 1980s metal scene.
The center label artwork on the vinyl record for No More Color by Coroner. It features a striking design of three skeletal arms arranged in a triangular formation, each holding a stylized razor blade. The arms encircle a circular saw blade, with jagged teeth radiating outward. This sharp, high-contrast black-and-white illustration creates a feeling of menace and aligns with the dark, aggressive aesthetic of Coroner’s music. The circular composition gives the impression of perpetual motion, as if the skeletal arms are spinning around the saw blade—a fitting visual for the relentless energy of thrash metal.
The Swiss Thrash Metal band CORONER is one of the most unique and influential bands in the history of heavy metal. Formed in Zurich in 1983, the band was comprised of Tommy Vetterli (guitar), Ron Broder (drums), and Marky Edelmann (bass/vocals). Their style combined elements of thrash metal, progressive rock, and classical music, creating a sound that was both aggressive and sophisticated.
From their debut album "R.I.P." (1987) to their final release "Grin" (1993), CORONER consistently pushed the boundaries of what was possible within the heavy metal genre. They were known for their complex arrangements, technical precision, and socially conscious lyrics. Their music was characterized by intricate guitar riffs, intricate bass lines, and powerful drumming, all of which were brought to life through their masterful musicianship.
What set CORONER apart from many of their contemporaries was their willingness to experiment and innovate. Their music was not limited to the traditional structures and conventions of heavy metal. Instead, they incorporated elements of jazz, classical music, and even electronic music into their sound, creating a unique and dynamic musical language.
In addition to their musical prowess, CORONER also tackled a variety of social and political issues in their lyrics. Their songs dealt with topics such as environmentalism, war, and the human condition, reflecting a depth and maturity that was rare within the heavy metal genre.
Despite their critical acclaim and influence on the heavy metal scene, CORONER never achieved the commercial success of some of their peers. However, their legacy lives on in the music of countless bands that have been inspired by their innovative approach to heavy metal.
In recent years, CORONER has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, with many of their classic albums being reissued and new fans discovering their unique sound. While the band has not released any new music since 1993, they remain an important and beloved part of the heavy metal canon, and their influence continues to be felt to this day.
Noise International N 0138-1 / NUK 138 / Dark Wings Inc. , 1989 , Germany
Coroner's "No More Color" is a kaleidoscopic nightmare, a sonic vortex where thrash, prog, and jazz collide in a maelstrom of technical ecstasy. Vetterli's fretboard wizardry and Royce's thunderous bass create a labyrinthine soundscape, while Marky's drumming is a polyrhythmic hurricane. This ain't your daddy's headbanging music, this is a cerebral assault, a sonic Rubik's Cube that demands your full attention. Strap in and prepare to have your mind blown.
CORONER - No More Color 12" Vinyl LP Album
Noise International N 0119-1 , 1988 , Germany
Coroner's "Punishment for Decadence" is a sonic bludgeoning, a thrash metal masterpiece with a progressive edge. It's a relentless assault of razor-sharp riffs, intricate song structures, and Marky's machine-gun drumming. Vetterli's vocals are a venomous snarl, spitting out lyrics of societal decay and existential angst. This ain't no party album, it's a wake-up call, a sonic slap in the face that demands you confront the darkness within and without.
CORONER - Punishment For Decadence 12" Vinyl LP Album
Noise International N 0075 , 1987 , Germany
Coroner's "R.I.P." is a thrashing debut, a raw diamond glinting with technical brilliance. It's a chaotic whirlwind of razor-sharp riffs, frantic drumming, and Royce's sneering vocals. While lacking the refinement of later albums, it showcases the band's burgeoning potential. Tracks like "Reborn Through Hate" and "Spiral Dream" hint at the progressive madness to come. "R.I.P." is a snapshot of a young band finding their footing, a raw nerve exposed and ready to explode.
CORONER - R.I.P. 12" Vinyl LP Album