What makes Technocracy by Corrosion of Conformity notable?

Technocracy is significant for its early fusion of sludge metal elements with hardcore punk, influencing the burgeoning metal scene of the late '80s. The EP received considerable attention for its political lyrics and raw production, marking Corrosion of Conformity as key players in the emerging Southern metal movement. Released in January 1987, Technocracy was Corrosion of Conformity's second EP, following their self-titled debut. At this point in their career, the band was beginning to carve out a unique niche within the crossover thrash and southern metal scenes, solidifying their sound while also experimenting with lyrical themes that would define their later work.

Who is Technocracy for?

Technocracy works well if you're into brief energetic bursts of sound, front-loaded intensity and urgency and raw, anarchic energy throughout.

How many songs are on Technocracy?

Technocracy has 5 tracks, running approximately 13 minutes.

Technocracy

Corrosion of Conformity · 1987

13 min · 5 tracks · sludge metal

Raw, aggressive riffs collide with abrasive vocals, blending Southern metal and hardcore punk into a relentless sonic assault.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Technocracy — The title track encapsulates the band's critique on societal structures through heavy riffs and relentless energy, setting the tone for the entire EP.
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Crawling — This track showcases a dynamic shift between aggressive verses and melodic passages, highlighting the band's ability to blend intensity with atmosphere.
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Happily Ever After — Short and punchy, this song delivers a biting commentary on disillusionment wrapped in a compact structure, reflecting the urgency of their message.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases raw energy and aggression, blending sludge metal and hardcore punk effectively while influencing future genres.

What we noticed

The opening track features a slow build-up with heavy, distorted guitar riffs that gradually increase in intensity.
Vocals are delivered in a harsh, aggressive style, often layered with backing screams that enhance the chaotic feel of the music.
Each track maintains a consistent tempo but varies in dynamics, with some sections featuring abrupt shifts to quieter passages before returning to full force.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

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

brief energetic bursts of sound
front-loaded intensity and urgency
raw, anarchic energy throughout
for high-energy moments

Maybe skip if you

prefer lengthy immersive experiences
seek melodic and soft tones

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in January 1987, Technocracy was Corrosion of Conformity's second EP, following their self-titled debut. At this point in their career, the band was beginning to carve out a unique niche within the crossover thrash and southern metal scenes, solidifying their sound while also experimenting with lyrical themes that would define their later work.
Stylistic neighbors: Down· Eyehategod· Crowbar