Artist: Coroner Album: Mental Vortex

Year: 1991
Duration: 47:25

A Deep Dive into Coroner's Mental Vortex - A Critical Review

As music fans, we look for artists that can take us to another dimension, make us feel something and tell a story through their music. Coroner, the Swiss thrash metal band, has been doing that since the 80s with their exceptional musicianship and unique approach to the genre. Their album Mental Vortex, released in 1991, is a classic in heavy metal history. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Mental Vortex and the story of Coroner, exploring the music, the best songs, and the most innovative aspects of this iconic album.

Let's start by giving a brief history of Coroner. The band was formed in 1985, by vocalist and bassist Ron Royce, drummer Marquis Marky, and guitarist Tommy T. Baron. They were part of the emerging thrash metal scene of the time, along with Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth. However, Coroner always stood out with their progressive and technical approach to the genre. They released their first album, R.I.P., in 1987, and followed that with three more albums, all of which are considered to be classics in the genre.

Mental Vortex was released in 1991, during a time when the heavy metal scene was undergoing some significant changes. Grunge was on the rise, and alternative rock was starting to take over. However, Mental Vortex still managed to stand out with its unique sound and approach. The album showcased Coroner's undeniable technical precision while delving into darker themes like death and existentialism. The music was challenging, but it still had a certain groove and melody that made it accessible to metalheads and non-metalheads alike.

One of the best things about Mental Vortex is the way each song intertwines with the next, creating a cohesive and immersive experience for the listener. The album starts with Divine Step (Conspectu Mortis), which has a slow build-up but then explodes into a frenzied thrash metal assault. It's followed by Son of Lilith, which is a slower, darker song, with eerie guitar riffs and haunting vocals. Semtex Revolution is another standout track, with its infectious groove and catchy chorus. Then there's Sirens, one of the most innovative and experimental songs on the album. It features a spoken-word intro, electronic beats, and a chorus that's almost operatic in nature. Finally, the album closes with the epic Metamorphosis, a song that's over ten minutes long and takes the listener on a journey through different moods and tempos.

When it comes to the most innovative parts of Mental Vortex, there are plenty of things to mention. For example, the use of unconventional time signatures and technical riffing, which is a hallmark of Coroner's music. They also experimented with electronic elements and harmonies, which add depth and texture to the music. The lyrics are also worth mentioning, as they deal with philosophical and existential themes that were not typical in heavy metal at the time.

Of course, with any album, there are some criticisms to be made. Some people might find the music too technical or challenging, while others might not appreciate the lyrics or the experimental nature of the album. However, those criticisms are few and far between when it comes to Mental Vortex. It's an album that has stood the test of time, and that's still revered and celebrated by fans of heavy metal and progressive music.

In conclusion, Mental Vortex is an album that every music fan should listen to at least once. It's a testament to Coroner's technical prowess, as well as their willingness to break free from the traditional boundaries of heavy metal. The album's themes and lyrics are still relevant today, almost three decades after its release, and the music is as challenging and engaging as it was when it was first unleashed on the world. Mental Vortex is a masterpiece that deserves to be celebrated and remembered as one of the greatest albums of its genre.