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Despite a string of remarkable albums with similarities to bands like Voïvod and Mekong Delta, and being an obvious inspiration of countless newer technical thrash bands such as Vektor, Coroner kind of went under the radar compared to many other bands that came and went in the early '80s. Punishment for Decadence was their second album, and while it was released in the shadow of titles like ...And Justice for All, South of Heaven, and Blood Fire Death, it more than holds its own against those behemoths.

While R.I.P was certainly a very good debut, Coroner took a step up here, and I find Punishment to have evolved nicely from its predecessor. The production is better, and the songwriting is just as frenetic and technical, though I find it to be somewhat more coherent. Coroner are well known for their songs that erupt in total riff mayhem, led by the exquisite, technical and throat-grabbing guitar work by Tommy Baron. His playing melds with drums, bass and vocals to create songs that are complex, individual beasts. Particularly and immediately noticeable is the chemistry between Baron and bassist/vocalist Ron Royce, as their fingers fly across their respective frets in a flurry. Royce's bass work is generally very prominent in the mix as he follows Baron almost note for note, and his thick, punchy sound lend more muscle to the songs, and feels similar to what Steve Harris does with Iron Maiden though the bands stylistically are far apart.

All songs on this album run an unpredictable pattern. Meaning that you'll get schizophrenic songs with traditional galloping riffs and a thumping rhythm section, faster Slayer-like parts, and (many) well placed, volatile segments with odd notes, tempo shifts and general chaos. There's a method to the madness, though, and while it's not necessarily the easiest album to grasp at first listen, it never gets messy and is immensely rewarding once it sticks. With a wild mix of heaviness, savagery and technical prowess, Punishment for Decadence is a classic album that is not to be missed for any tech thrash enthusiast. The only thing keeping it from a perfect score is the fact that its successor No More Color is even better. Highly recommended.