COHEED AND CAMBRIA
Good Apollo I’m Burning Star IV. Vol I From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness
Equal Vision/Columbia
· The opium poppies grew especially large this year.
I’m probably not the first person to say it, but "What the hell?" Popularly acclaimed princes of emo-metal (shudder), Coheed and Cambria have gone all soft and prog rock for this album, which is to be the first volume in a four-part epic of myth and mystery that revolves around Coheed and Cambria, two protagonists of biblical proportion. Travel back in time to witness the rising of the Black Metal Mountains and the forging of the Grand Canyon of Malmsteen. Claudio Sanchez’s Geddy Lee-style vocals spiral over Satriani cliffs while Trans Ams and dragons circle in the background. Conjuring an admirable enthusiasm, these darlings of the indie scene do their penance for going big time and big label by flagellating themselves in the public arena with embarrassingly anthemic riffs and ridiculously fantastical melodies. You can always tell a good concept album by its introductory track, and the suspenseful monastic drones of "Keeping the Blade" signal that you’re in for a great show. From "Always & Never" to "The Final Cut," Coheed and Cambria forge a modern edge on the all-too-familiar weapons in the arsenal of heavy rock. No doubt, this preposterously titled album is destined for the top of many a guilty pleasure list. What do they have in mind for the next instalment of this strange saga? It’s impossible to guess, but what is apparent is the skill and conviction with which they address their subjects. Exceptional!
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