Album Artwork
Very few bands now-a-days can say they have a fan base like Coheed and Cambria.
Their supporters border on obsessive and tend to follow the band’s each and every move.
Their vinyl records sell for close to $200, the comic books that detail their music are coveted, and they sell out shows not only in the U.S., but worldwide.
These progressive rock champions have made a living by keeping their fans hooked.
This can be accredited to the music, but even more so to the story they tell.
Their entire studio catalog has consisted of conceptual albums explaining the fictional storyline known as The Armory Wars.
The Armory Wars is the science-fiction tale of fictional characters Coheed and Cambria and their son Claudio.
The intricate and detailed tale has been made into a series of comic books by the band’s lead singer, Claudio Sanchez.
While the band’s music can be enjoyed without any appreciation of the story and vice-versa, the coupling of these two mediums is undoubtedly what has captured the band’s devout fans.
The band’s latest release Year of the Black Rainbow is the fifth part of the storyline, but acts as the prequel to The Armory Wars.
Where it is a prequel as far as lyrics, musically, it takes off right where their last album ended.
In this respect, Coheed and Cambria are famous for their heavy guitar riffs and Claudio Sanchez’s unmistakable vocals.
Although the band is often classified as progressive rock, YOTBR expands the band’s musicianship, while remaining melodic.
This album packs a punch harder than any of their previous releases. “So let’s hang up some anger.
We’ll bury our burdens in blood,” sings Sanchez on the song “Here We Are Juggernaut.”
“Oh, so hang up some anger. We’ll bury our burdens in blood. Become stronger, juggernaut.”
Songs “World of Lines,” “The Broken” and “The Black Rainbow” all posses their own unique sound and provide a nice mix of musical diversity.
YOTBR attempts to appeal to the masses. Buzz saw guitar riffs and catchy choruses make the album very accessible to progressive rock fans.
Whether you are into science fiction or just good ol’ music, there’s a good chance that Coheed and Cambria just might be the best band you’re not listening to.
Zach Fraser can be reached at zfraser@ut.edu.
