“No More Color” is Coroner’s third classic album, after “R.I.P.” and “Punishment for Decadence”, that was re-issued recently by Century Media, the current label of the band. This remastered edition of higher sound quality enables us, the elderly, to refresh our memory and remember once more a milestone of technical thrash metal; however, newborn thrash addicts may have their first lesson regarding “Thrash History”.
Originally released in 1989, one year after its predecessor, “No More Color” expands the extraordinary musicianship of the band. Being even more technical and less speedy than “Punishment for Decadence”, it features frequent musical changes within the same song, skillful guitar work by Tommy Baron and –once again- absolutely precise rhythm section. However, solos do not bring forth the sense of lyricism that pervaded the previous album. If we consider “Punishment for Decadence” as an initial step for Coroner unto the borders of progressive thrash, then “No More Color” represents a further evolution and an official entry to the realms of progressiveness.
The tempo changes and complexity of “Die By My Hand”, “No Need To Be Human” and “Why It Hurts”, the heaviness of “Read My Scars” and the magnificent riffing of “Mistress of Deception” remained classic, being topics of discussion among fans for years. However, it was the last track of the album, “Last Entertainment” that gave us a glimpse of how Coroner would sound in their next release; it showcased the band’s decision to experiment with slower tempo and atmospheric elements (bear in mind the use of synth effects and recitation, instead of vocals), being somehow ambient and obscure.
Overall, the album stands at a critical turn for the band, as in the next two releases, Coroner’s music became absolutely avant-garde, differing substantially from “R.I.P.” and “Punishment for Decadence”.
♦ 10/10
Alex Nikolaidis
