- Uncensored Front Cover
Coroner's "Punishment for Decadence" 12" Vinyl LP, featuring the original "uncensored" album front cover, has become highly collectible. The rarity of the uncensored version, replaced without the band's consent, adds historical significance. The visual display online enhances the album's allure, making it a sought-after gem for collectors and enthusiasts passionate about preserving the unique history of metal albums.
The Coroner's "Punishment for Decadence" album holds a unique place in the annals of heavy metal history, not only for its groundbreaking music but also for the controversy surrounding its original album cover. Released as a 12" Vinyl LP, the album features an original and rare cover that was later replaced by the record company without the consent of the band.
The creation history of this album cover reflects the intersection of artistic expression and corporate intervention, shedding light on the challenges faced by musicians in maintaining control over their visual identity.
The original album cover, often referred to as the "uncensored" version, is a striking piece of art that captures the essence of Coroner's music and the themes explored in "Punishment for Decadence." The intricate details and symbolism in the artwork add layers of meaning to the overall experience of the album. Unfortunately, the record company deemed the cover too provocative or controversial, leading to a decision to replace it.
The exact reasons for the replacement of the original cover may vary, but it is not uncommon for record labels to intervene in album artwork to align with perceived marketability or to avoid potential backlash. This clash between artistic vision and commercial considerations has been a recurring theme in the music industry.
Coroner, a band known for pushing boundaries both musically and visually, likely found themselves in a difficult position as their carefully crafted album cover was swapped out without their approval. The episode speaks to the power dynamics between artists and record labels, where creative control can often be compromised for the sake of mass appeal.
Swiss Thrash Metal
Noise International N 0119-1
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1988 Made in Germany
This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by Coroner
Guy Bidmead - Producer
Karl Ulrich Walterbach - Executive Producer
Andreas Gerhard - Sound Engineer
Recorded and mixed at Sky Trak Studios, Berlin, May 1988.
Micha Good - Album Cover Design
Ron Royce - 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 - Guitars Tommy T. Baron (real name: Thomas Vetterli) guitar player with the Swiss Thrash Metal band "Coroner" since 1985.
Marquis Marky - 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 cover art of Coroner's album Punishment for Decadence. This 1988 album cover features a close-up detail of Auguste Rodin's famous sculpture The Gates of Hell, which is filled with writhing, intertwined human figures representing various states of torment and despair. The monochromatic design of the cover, with its deep blues and stark contrasts, gives the figures a haunting, almost spectral appearance, capturing a mood that aligns with the thrash metal and technical complexity that Coroner is known for.
The band name, Coroner, appears at the top in a sharp, Gothic font, and the album title, Punishment for Decadence, is positioned just below it. On the right side of the cover, there's a vertical black stripe with a small emblem at the bottom, featuring the words Coroner and a skeletal, triskelion-inspired design. This emblem ties into the band's darker aesthetic and emphasizes their themes of mortality and existential struggle.
The label of a vinyl record for Side 1 of Coroner's album Punishment For Decadence, released by Noise International in 1988. The label is primarily a deep blue background with white text. The band's name, Coroner, appears in large, bold letters at the top, followed by the album title, Punishment For Decadence.
In the lower section a small illustrated figure, resembling a skeletal or alien-like creature holding a futuristic weapon (chainsaw?), appears near the bottom right of the label.
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