Coheed and Cambria gives us probably the most adventurous and fearless album yet, and maybe even their best album!
Coheed and Cambria have won so many over through decades of fan accessibility, the unique voice of each instrument of the band including Claudio’s higher tenor vocals, the layering of those instruments and the nuances each musician adds to each song.
If you weren’t aware, the band and “The Writer” have entered into a new saga within the universe they created decades ago and Vaxis II: Window of the Waking Mind will be the second installment in a five-chapter arc. Those familiar with the Amory Wars will already be highly invested in what the band calls The Story.
Coheed and Cambria is comprised of Claudio Sanchez (main vocals, keys, and guitar), Travis Stever (Guitars, backing vocals), Zach Cooper (bass and backing vocals) and the ever animated Josh Eppard (Drums, backing vocals). Claudio and Travis’s notable riffs and guitar dueling is always well represented on their albums and this latest installment is no exception!
With Embers of Fire, Coheed and Cambria open this album with Claudio’s son Atlas singing over a simple piano melody. As the intro song goes on, Claudio joins the main melody-massive rock anthem style! Then we transition into Beautiful Losers which feels huge and melodic with tender vocals. Comatose is a fun track with the signature Claudio/Travis guitar dueling and a contagious chorus guaranteed to be an instant earworm with a groovy tech punk vibe!
With the entirety of this album, we get everything Coheed is known for: wicked tremolo with soaring falsetto vocals, thundering and energetic drums, experimentation that borders on musical mad scientist, and unique synth decorations. With the latest tracks we explore the entire musical map, genre-wise and technically. It’s even got rock opera in its anthemic heavy hitters. This album is fearless and progressive! And of course, it complements the Coheed mythos. Coheed, after all these years, shows us that there is always room to grow musically and continue to surprise the listener.
