Coroner
Coroner were founded in Switzerland in 1985 by Ron Royle (vocals), Tommy T. Baron (guitar) and Marquis Marky (drums). They were signed by Noise Records in the following year after recording a demo entitled DEATH CULT. Guesting on vocals for the demo was Thomas G. Warrior, leader of cult avant garde thrash band Celtic Frost. Coroner were to maintain a close relationship with their countrymen—and now labelmates—over the years to come (even roadying for them on Celtic Frost's 1986 US tour). While Coroner have always had a less experimental approach to thrash metal than Celtic Frost, it is possible to detect a number of intricate and unusual guitar riffs in their caustic, rapid fire approach. For a time it looked like the band might even establish themselves among the leaders of the speed metal genre, but as its popularity expired, Coroner were increasingly side-lined by younger death metal bands. Their future as a unit now looks doubtful and their Best Of compilation (featuring remixes, instrumentals and four new tracks) may prove to be their swan song.