Coroner - R.I.P. (1987)

Ah yes, the Swiss trio. Hugely influential at the time and regarded today as an archetype of technical thrash in the full meaning of the word. Their story starts from humble speed metal beginnings as roadies for their compatriots Celtic Frost who probably had a significant thematical influence on them and with their main star Tom G. Warrior contributing on Coroner's Death Cult demo as a guest vocalist, the path was paved. Celtic Frost were most certainly a bigger thing in the broad history of metal because they helped with formulating the foundations of both black and death metal in Europe. But focusing on Coroner's debut R.I.P., no thrash creation made any resemblance up to that day. I would pick the year older Destruction's Eternal Devastation as the closest in line to comparison, but pick any component off their album and you will sooner or later realise the right on superior inventiveness and elegance of R.I.P. And yes, the ink was still wet and it was mostly just about speed as the trend dictated, but the musicianship was splendid and razor sharp, making it one hell of a strong debut. With a unique approach Tommy T. Baron gained recognition from both his early and later work to become an outstanding thrash guitarist. The bar was raised by instant classics like Reborn Through Hate, Nosferatu or my personal favourite Totentanz.