Description
Corrosion of Conformity – Technocracy – White Vinyl Record
Technocracy is an EP by American heavy metal band Corrosion of Conformity, released in 1987 through Metal Blade Records. Known for blending elements of hardcore punk, crossover thrash, and metal, Corrosion of Conformity (often referred to as C.O.C.) carved out a distinct place in the 1980s underground metal scene. Technocracy captures the band during a transitional period, moving from their hardcore punk roots toward a heavier, more thrash-oriented sound. The EP’s lyrics reflect political and social themes, with a focus on government overreach, societal issues, and individual autonomy.
By the time they recorded Technocracy, Corrosion of Conformity had already gained a reputation for their intense fusion of punk and metal, established on their earlier releases, including Eye for an Eye (1984) and Animosity (1985). With Technocracy, the band further honed their aggressive style, incorporating faster tempos, sharper guitar riffs, and more technically advanced playing, reflective of the burgeoning crossover thrash movement. The lineup during Technocracy featured Mike Dean on vocals and bass, Woody Weatherman on guitar, and Reed Mullin on drums, with Simon Bob Sinister (formerly of the band Ugly Americans) brought in as lead vocalist.
The music on Technocracy combines the fury of hardcore punk with the precision and heaviness of thrash, resulting in a sound that is both intense and rhythmically complex. The EP also shows the band experimenting with politically charged lyrics and commentary on authoritarianism, reflecting the rebellious ethos of the hardcore punk scene but with the heavier edge of metal.
Key Tracks
‘Technocracy’ – The title track is fast-paced and aggressive, featuring a relentless thrash riff and biting lyrics about government control and the dangers of unchecked authority. It’s a bold opening track that encapsulates the album’s critical perspective and raw energy.
‘Hungry Child’ – With its driving rhythm and ferocious guitar work, ‘Hungry Child’ addresses themes of alienation and societal neglect. The track’s intense tempo and churning riffs showcase the band’s hardcore punk roots with a thrash twist.
‘Happily Ever After’ – This song takes a darkly ironic look at consumerism and blind complacency. The track blends fast-paced drumming with heavy guitar riffs, building a sense of urgency that complements its critical lyrics.
‘Crawling’ – A slower, heavier track that features sludgy riffs and dark, brooding lyrics. “Crawling” foreshadows the sludge metal and stoner rock direction the band would explore in later years, offering a glimpse of their evolving sound.
‘Intervention’ – This track is high-energy and rhythmically complex, with aggressive drumming and sharp guitar work. Its lyrical content questions institutional power, a recurring theme in the band’s early music, delivered in a frenetic, intense style.
Technocracy reflects themes of political critique, social unrest, and individual resistance. The lyrics focus on topics like government control, societal decay, and the exploitation of power, reflecting the politically charged atmosphere of the 1980s punk and metal scenes. The album’s title itself, “Technocracy,” is a statement on the influence of technology and bureaucracy on society, highlighting concerns about the loss of personal autonomy.
The production on Technocracy is raw and aggressive, giving the EP a gritty, unpolished feel that amplifies its intensity. The guitars are heavy and distorted, the bass lines are thick and driving, and the drumming is tight and relentless, capturing the energy and anger of both hardcore punk and thrash metal.
Technocracy received positive responses within the hardcore and metal communities, appreciated for its fierce energy and critical stance. Although Corrosion of Conformity was still evolving their sound, the EP became a cult favorite for fans of crossover thrash and hardcore punk. Tracks like “Technocracy” and “Hungry Child” became important parts of the band’s catalog, resonating with fans who connected with the music’s intensity and political themes.
In the years following Technocracy, Corrosion of Conformity would undergo significant stylistic shifts, eventually incorporating elements of sludge metal and southern rock in their work. However, Technocracy remains a snapshot of the band’s hardcore punk and thrash roots, showcasing their commitment to intense, thought-provoking music.
Technocracy stands as an important release in Corrosion of Conformity’s discography and a defining work within the crossover thrash genre. It captures the band at a crucial point in their development, bridging the gap between their hardcore punk beginnings and the heavier, groove-oriented sound they would adopt in the 1990s. For fans of 1980s punk and thrash, Technocracy remains a powerful and politically charged album that highlights the band’s versatility, intensity, and willingness to challenge both musical and societal norms.
Groundbreaking metal / punk crossover EP with extra tracks – new vinyl master! Includes 12′ booklet and download code
40 Years of C.O.C! White Vinyl
Indie Exclusive
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Technocracy
Hungry Child
Happily Ever After
Crawling
Ahh Blugh (Milking The Sick Farce)
Intervention
Technocracy
Crawling
Happily Ever After
