Coroner - Dissonance Theory Review

Although Coroner officially reunited in 2010 after an extended hiatus, it was not until fifteen years later that the band’s creative resurgence reached its full potential. References to new compositions surfaced intermittently in interviews, but it is only now, in 2025, that the Swiss group fulfil their longstanding promise with the release of “Dissonance Theory.”

While the first three to four albums in the band's early discography, were characterised by their signature sound of technical thrash, they gradually began to refine their sound through the gradual incorporation of new stylistic elements.

After opening with a brief, ethereal introduction that establishes an atmospheric yet subtly unsettling tone, the band transition into the opening track in the form of “Consequence.”

Immediately immersing the listener in a meticulously constructed sonic landscape, it is clear from the onset that the new album is a further enhancement of Coroner’s trademark sound. With subtly interwoven elements of progressive rock and industrial metal garnered with hints of Tool during their Ænima era, the band conjures up a futuristic texture that is reminiscent of Ministry or Fear Factory at their most dissonant.

As the album progresses, the high standards established by “Consequence” are maintained. Tracks such as “Sacrificial Lamb” and “Crisium Bound” are comparatively direct in their delivery, yet, where the opener built its atmosphere from layers of six-string distortion, they employ cleverly arranged keyboards to shape their ambience with the nuanced use of synthesisers that underpin the album’s broader, cinematic contours.

The following “Symmetry” stands out as a likely highlight, deploying a classic thrash metal rhythm that bursts forth with urgent, rapid-fire riffing, only to pivot unexpectedly through a series of tempo shifts and melodic flourishes. This dynamic interplay of intensity and restraint keeps the listener engaged and showcases Coroner’s knack for blending sophistication with accessibility.

On “The Law,” the band initially lulls the listener with a warm, analogue-sounding acoustic motif, conjuring a fleeting sense of calm. Yet this tranquillity is soon shattered as the song segues into intricate rhythmic territory, marked by syncopated patterns that are a testament to Coroner’s ability to balance both subtlety and force.

Similarly, “Transparent Eye” is propelled by drumming that is both intricate and commanding. The use of layered polyrhythms and distinctive accents grants percussion a central, almost hypnotic role, lending the track a tribal groove that further enhances the songs depth.

With “Trinity,” the band channels the expansive sonic vistas characteristic of Devin Townsend’s “Terria.” Lush layering and a dynamic breadth create a sense of scale, but Coroner make their mark by injecting frenetic dive bomb solos, introducing a calculated chaos that disrupts the otherwise cinematic flow. The emotional resonance achieved here contrasts beautifully with the album’s colder, machine-like elements, adding warmth and human expression.

While much of the album adopts a deceptively moderate tempo, the lead single “Renewal” is a showcase for the band’s technical prowess. Here, Coroner’s signature progressive thrash sound is pushed to the fore, with intricate riffing and sophisticated time signatures that underscore their enduring musical agility.

In the end “Dissonance Theory” is a welcome return by one of the scenes most lauded bands with an album that is destined to become a future classic. By providing a thematically and musically rich experience that not only rewards repeat listens but also reaffirms the bands place as innovators in the world of progressive metal they deliver what may well have been one of the standout albums of 2025.