Punishment for Decadence
Coroner · 1988
38 min · 10 tracks · progressive metal
A whirlwind of intricate riffs and frenetic tempos, merging progressive metal with technical thrash in a uniquely Swiss sound.
Top tracks — play these first
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Absorbed — This track exemplifies the band's blend of speed and complexity, showcasing intricate guitar work that defines their signature sound.
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Masked Jackal — With its relentless pace and shifting time signatures, this song captures the essence of Coroner's technical prowess and lyrical depth.
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Skeleton on Your Shoulder — Combining haunting melodies with aggressive rhythms, this track illustrates the thematic exploration of mortality that permeates the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate compositions and technical skill, solidifying Coroner's distinct sound in progressive metal.
What we noticed
- Guitar solos are prominent throughout, frequently overlapping with intricate riffing, creating a dense and layered sound.
- The final track is a cover of 'Purple Haze', which contrasts sharply with the original's feel, adding a unique twist to the album's conclusion.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady, consistent energy levels
- gradual builds and payoffs
- immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1988, Punishment for Decadence is Coroner's second studio album, following their debut, R.I.P., which established them as pioneers in the technical thrash genre. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their identity with complex compositions that blended heavy metal aggression with progressive elements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Watchtower· Annihilator· Voivod
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Sudden Fall
The verses present a stark contrast between vivid imagery of demise and an urgent narrative voice that propels the listener forward.
This structural choice enhances the sense of urgency while deepening the emotional impact of the themes surrounding unexpected loss.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro 0:13
- 2 Absorbed 3:42
- 3 Masked Jackal 4:47
- 4 Arc-Lite 3:19
- 5 Skeleton on Your Shoulder 5:33
- 6 Sudden Fall 4:50
- 7 Shadow of a Lost Dream 4:32
- 8 The New Breed 4:53
- 9 Voyage to Eternity 3:42
- 10 Purple Haze 3:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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