UMUR
"Technocracy" is an EP release by US hardcore/heavy metal act Corrosion of Conformity. The EP was released through Metal Blade Records in April 1987. It bridges the gap between the band´s second and third full-length studio albums "Animosity" from 1985 and "Blind" from 1991. There´s been a significant lineup change since "Animosity (1985)", as the three founding members of Corrosion of Conformity have opted to add a lead vocalist and fourth member to the lineup in Simon Bob. The vocals on the previous releases where handled by bassist Mike Dean and on occasion by drummer Reed Mullin. The original version of the EP features five tracks, but the 1992 re-release features four bonus tracks. Three of them demos of the EP tracks featuring Mike Dean on vocals.
Stylistically the material on "Technocracy" pretty much continue the hardcore/crossover thrash metal style of "Animosity (1985)", with an emphasis on the hardcore part of the sound. It´s decent quality harcore but nothing revolutionizing, and new lead vocalist Simon Bob isn´t the most interesting singer. In comparison Mike Dean had a more raw and primal delivery, which suited the rawness of the music better.
"Technocracy" features a decent sounding production. The listener is able to hear all instruments and vocals pretty clearly, but the sound is still raw enough to not lose power. When that is said, it´s not the most well sounding or powerful production from those years, and it could certainly have sounded better and the music could have prospered from it. Upon conclusion "Technocracy" is a release for fans of the band´s early material and for fans of 80s US hardcore/crossover thrash metal in general. It´s a decent release, but there are better releases in a similar style out there. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.