DEATH CULT

"Death Cult" is a demo recording by Swiss thrash metal act Coroner. The demo was independently released in 1986 on cassette tape and limited to 250 copies. Some sources say it´s the band´s first demo, while others mention a 1983 demo titled "Depth of Hell", as Coroner´s first demo, which of course would make "Death Cult" the band´s second demo. No matter what the truth is, "Death Cult" was the demo which secured Coroner their label deal with Noise Records, and the subsequent release of their debut full-length studio album "R.I.P." (Noise Records, June 1987). Only "Spiral Dream" from this demo would be re-recorded and included on "R.I.P.". "Death Cult" originally featured four tracks and a total playing time of 24:40 minutes (three of the songs are over 6 minutes long), but later label reissues of the demo add two-three bonus tracks, which were also recorded during the October 10-19th, 1985 recording sessions at Magnetix Studio, Switzerland, but initially not included on "Death Cult".

It´s noteworthy than even though Coroner were already established in their classic trio lineup on "Death Cult", Ron Royce had not yet started to sing, and therefore the vocals on this demo are performed by Tom G. Warrior (Celtic Frost). His raw shouting/singing vocal style is a bit different from Royce´s ditto, but it´s approximately in the same ballpark, so they arguably suit the music well.

Stylistically this is relatively similar to the technically well played speed/thrash metal style of "R.I.P.". The recording quality is just not up to par with the subsequent studio release, which is of course only natural. The instrumental "Aerial Combat" drags a bit and is a bit uneventful, but the other tracks are of a good quality and it´s no surprise that Noise Records handed Coroner a contract soon after they heard the demo. So upon conclusion "Death Cult" is a good quality demo which had the effect a good demo should have. Introduce a band to the world and subsequently result in the band getting a label contract. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives)