Coheed and Cambria - No World For Tomorrow

[Garett Press]

As some of you know, I once wrote a book (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=98680) on Coheed and Cambria – so for everyone’s sake, I will relinquish this review to brevity.

In truth, I have a lot less to say this time around, not because No World For Tomorrow isn’t worth just as many descriptive adjectives and music metaphors as its predecessor, but simply because this thirteen song rock-fest truly speaks for itself.

In this the conclusion to the Coheed and Cambria saga, Claudio looks inward rather than outward for inspiration, channeling the loss of a loved one and some band line-up turmoil in order to conjure the raw passion and embattled spirit some thought to be absent from the band’s last effort. What results is somewhat of a return to the very real emotional foundation that permeated even the most progressive nooks and crannies of The Second Stage Turbine Blade and In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3.

But the emotions that well up in light of a deceased relative, your band almost crumbling, and the challenge of writing an ending for a story to which you’ve dedicated your life aren’t those fluttering heart sentiments that spawned past snoozers like “Wake Up” and “Once Upon Your Dead Body.” No, this 11 o’clock number is a frontman’s tale of self-discovery and acceptance of grave responsibility in the wake of chaos, angst, and feeling utterly alone.

Oh, you thought this was just about rocket ships and light sabers?

If Good Apollo Volume One reflected a band embracing the roots of their modern classic rock sound, then No World For Tomorrow is the progression of that roots approach after a healthy dosage of sunlight, water, and pure catharsis. The instrumentation is simply on fire and the solos have returned; only they’re sharper and more frequent.

As usual, the boys can’t hold their load past track two where they paint the apocalyptic title track with the band’s most intricate and monstrous guitar-work to date. The five minute submission for rock song of the year hits hard, letting the band’s discreet lust for metal way out of the closet. Claudio’s vocals remain thorough and spastic enough to ringlead a circus of distortion and pinch harmonics, and as with each Coheed record before this, we are knocked on our asses before the overture is through.

The album embraces that heavy, angry rock sound again and again in the Who-ish “The Hound of Blood and Rank,” the badass shove-you-in-your-locker sounding “Gravemakers and Gunslingers,” and the homicidal, sing-along inducing anthem “Justice in Murder” which makes for a rollicking, fist-pumping good time and an exhibition of adept fretwork.

But it’s not just brawn and balls here. “Feathers” harkens back to the dreamy pop essence of In Keeping Secrets, reminding us both how Sanchez’s angelic wail can truly make a pop song soar and how a solo is good for more than just melting faces. Two tracks later is “Mother Superior,” Coheed and Cambria’s own “Stairway to Heaven,” and an instant, croony classic that winds up to an invigorating climax.

With the exception of the fillerish sounding “Radio Bye Bye,” No World’s last five tracks (constituting The End Complete) are an emotionally tumultuous last ride. “The Fall of House Atlantic” starts things off instrumentally, sounding very much like 3’s Joey Eppard lent the band some of his dark genius. From there it’s an all you-can-eat grand finale of what Coheed and Cambria do best, that enthralling fusion of the classic and the progressive. Supersized emo-rock choruses, space-age guitar attacks, characterized voice modulations, I Love the 80’s hair-metal balladry, and a bluesy, Pink Floyd inspired, tear-jerker of an outro ensue. The credits roll as a familiar jam session and Philip Glass-esque scoring fade us out…

Bye Bye World.
The End.

Almost six years after The Second Stage Turbine Blade ignited the scene with all its raw, quirky, sci-fi channel charm, the prodigal saviors of rock and roll are back with their fourth full length to prove once and for all that they are up to the task. So listen and learn as Coheed and Cambria bring their epic saga to its conclusion and finally achieve neo-classic rock stardom in the process.

http://www.absolutepunk.net/gallery/files/3/3/6/2/0/cocareviewimage_873694.jpg

[Blake Solomon]

great review, garett. I hope I like this more than their last effort. By the look of it, though, I will.

[Jason Tate]

This is not nearly as long as I was expecting.

[Garett Press]

great review, garett. I hope I like this more than their last effort. By the look of it, though, I will.
thanks my dude! i'm almost positive you will

[Garett Press]

This is not nearly as long as I was expecting.
neither was your weenie

[skyphoenix]

Awesome review. I read your review over at Cobalt and Calcium as well.

This is definitely my most anticipated album of the year.

[CrenshawPunch]

I want to check this out now. When is it out?

[Saucey McRib]

neither was your weenie


hahaha...weenie

[Jason Tate]

neither was your weenie
:jawdrop:

[Saucey McRib]

:jawdrop:

hahaha...emoticon



edit: also I like how this review comes stock with three pictures of claudio sanchez just ripping it up on his gibsons.

[XBurnedDesireX]

Good review I cant wait to hear this...

[Blake Solomon]

hahahah, weenie.


*note to self: ask garett to teach me the way of the comeback.

[Seth Robinson]

This is not nearly as long as I was expecting.


Off topic, but.....in that new Say Anything bio you posted that described one song on "In Defense Of The Genre" as "big band sounding"....is it a horn filled, awesome extravaganza? After reading that bio, it increased my excitement for the album tenfold.

[Jason Tate]

Off topic, but.....in that new Say Anything bio you posted that described one song on "In Defense Of The Genre" as "big band sounding"....is it a horn filled, awesome extravaganza? After reading that bio, it increased my excitement for the album tenfold.
Yes .. there are lots of instruments on the album.

[Jason Tate]

hahahah, weenie.


*note to self: ask garett to teach me the way of the comeback.
Garett learned his best moves from me.

[Seth Robinson]

AMAZING. So is it safe to say that if I agreed with everything you said about GA:1 that I will absolutely love this album? I'm so excited.
The only thing I'm worried about is this album ending in the exact same way as GA:1.....that isn't true, right?

[Elementzmean]

neither was your weenie

Hahaha, I laughed so hard at that.

[Saucey McRib]

does "characterized voice modulations" mean the demon effect from iksse:3?

[Blake Solomon]

Weird, Garett always told me Carlos Mencia was his biggest inspiration.

[Saucey McRib]

Weird, Garett always told me Carlos Mencia was his biggest inspiration.

that just means he ripped his jokes unintentionally off someone else

cause carlos rips em intentionally

[Garett Press]

AMAZING. So is it safe to say that if I agreed with everything you said about GA:1 that I will absolutely love this album? I'm so excited.
The only thing I'm worried about is this album ending in the exact same way as GA:1.....that isn't true, right?
not at all

And actually i learned my comebacks from the book of snaps - anybody else read those?

[Moira Amiss]

this review makes me a little bit more curious about this album. i was hugely disappointed with GA:1 because it didn't seem to have the staying power that i expected it to have. hopefully, this album will.

[SlightlyStoopid]

omfg you made my month. this cd unlike most will be bought

i had faith and now it has been replenished

[Drew Beringer]

I want to hear this. good review

[You Got Owned]

not at all

And actually i learned my comebacks from the book of snaps - anybody else read those?
haha
yea
nothing like reading the book of snaps at waldenbooks in the mall while my mom was at jc penney

[swizzle]

you've now got me read for this album and can't wait, sounds like a real breath of fresh air. whens it out again?

[tonyC4L]

Great review, Garett. I've been looking forward to this album for a long time, and it sounds like it definitely will not disappoint.

[Bi11 Lumburgh]

not at all

And actually i learned my comebacks from the book of snaps - anybody else read those?

yes and my principal took mine away, and she was appalled by it

and btw, i CANNOT wait for this album, love this band so much, and with taylor hawkins beating the skins, should be nothing short of amazing

[Praetor]

Good review, I'm now excited about this.

[CLARIFY THIS]

Great review.I've been looking forward to it since your mini review on CobaltandCalcium.com.

Thanks

[Anton Djamoos]

neither was your weenie
If Coheed decides to use this review for promotional reasons, I would be ecstatic if they skipped over the interview and just used this comment and say something along the lines of, "Coheed rocks as much as this comment."

[GlassyLight]

great review dude, i'm fucking stoked.....

that said, do you follow the storyline/is it decipherable at allon the new one?

i'm curious to see how they'll wrap it up (and then start it on the new album)

[lassise]

neither was your weenie

BURNNN

[saysmydoctor]

Garrett Press needs to review albums more often. Fuckin' impressive review.

[williek311]

Track listing? Release date? Great review though.

[mike l]

so what happens now after this release? not to sound stupid or anything but does the band dissolve, or rename themselves, or is there other stories to be written in the future?

[Brett9]

awesome review, garett. With all the new music out this coming month, I admit that I haven't been as excited for this release as I should be. After reading your review, all that has changed. Coheed and Say Anything on the same day...wonder if I can handle it.

[Chemical Love]

Awesome review, I cant wait to hear it.

[CLARIFY THIS]

so what happens now after this release? not to sound stupid or anything but does the band dissolve, or rename themselves, or is there other stories to be written in the future?

The next album will be a prequel.Then,as I understood it, they may cover some different characters from the same universe.

[leftstranded]

i need to hear this album.

[Tom Good]

I hope it's good, I didn't like GAIBS4FFTTEOM too much but I loved the first two albums. It's gonna take a lot to reel me back, but if anyone can do it, it's Coheed. Good review Garett.

[Shogun]

Great review of the new album Garett and in a way, a good look back at the past Coheed albums too.

[MountainJam2113]

i want this so bad. this is goin to be amazing.

[Poochemist]

Well I appreciate your review a lot more than the one in Alternative Press.

The reviewer focused solely on the bass and drummer. He was saying things like "oh my god Chris Pennie is in the band and the rhythm section still isn't anything to write home about." It's Coheed, shut up. 3 out of 5 my ass- from what you've said this is gonna be a good final chapter.

[crit]

Nice review...I'm so ready for this album.

[lilRIPsta]

nothing they have done has disappointed. great review too

[M.C COB]

Whew!, that's what I needed to hear, or see rather.

[saving jonathan]

hahahah, weenie.


*note to self: ask garett to teach me the way of the comeback.


good review garret. we'll see if this album can keep me interested in this band, i was a huge fan of their first two albums.

and as for you blake "mmmm bears loooove honey"

[EyesOfMadness]

This review made me so excited for this band again, well done.

[drmsofpsilocybi]

I have this haunting feeling that this album is just going to be disappointing. If they go the way of the Willing Well I/II, to that proggy extent... I will be delighted on one hand to see someone attempting it in todays music other than TMV, but I will be disappointed that we have lost coheed. I loved the days when people would compare COCA to rush and to LZ.

[racecar]

this is undeserving of such a high percent. however, the review was well written and i really appreciate that. so. you're an idiot for liking this band as much as you do. but, you are a genius for being able to state why you like them so much in such an eloquent way.

[SteveLikesMusic]

Ahhhhhhhh fuck I NEED THIS ALBUM NOW!

[SteveLikesMusic]

this is undeserving of such a high percent. however, the review was well written and i really appreciate that. so. you're an idiot for liking this band as much as you do. but, you are a genius for being able to state why you like them so much in such an eloquent way.

yea, because you've heard it.

[MrBaileySays]

That was a great review.

I've loved each album--the music, the words--and though I'm not too big on the story, it's pretty interesting...but I don't want to know everything yet and won't read it all probably until 6 months after the albums release.

I have mixed emotions about this release. I can't wait to fucking hear it.

[hailthewarrior]

great review, cant wait for this

[GiggsOho]

Everyone is all over Say Anything's jock for Oct. 23rd (not completely unwarranted), but I'm sorry, I really hope this album ends up being the album every one talks about. Everyone saying these guys fell off is like everyone saying Brett Favre didn't have it in 'em anymore. *Cue the Drew quote* Look how that turned out.


Great review.


EDIT: I take this back. I completely forgot Say Anything is a double album, and after seeing that mega thread about an OPENING TRACK.....nope. I'm really wrong.

[jearsh]

I think I just came in my pants.

[Shogun]

this is undeserving of such a high percent. however, the review was well written and i really appreciate that. so. you're an idiot for liking this band as much as you do. but, you are a genius for being able to state why you like them so much in such an eloquent way.

You're an idiot for not liking this band and you're still an idiot for not being able to state why you don't like them in an eloquent way.

[coheedchiodos88]

thought this was relevant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3xQMPbKsuk

[GoWaitInTheCar]

I'm relatively interested.

[Garett Press]

thought this was relevant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3xQMPbKsuk
the hound of blood and rank

[Yankees' #1 Fan]

this album shreds so hard.

[Garett Press]

Again thanks for all the incredible feedback guys

[kylestarr]

i just want a lot of throwbacks to the old albums + some second stageish sounding stuff. that was an original sounding record and the other have just seemed like a bunch of 80's metal/classic rock.

[jwelborn]

i can't wait to hear this album.

[choheed&danbria]

these guys are great cant wait for the album i hope its everything you say it is. great review!

[pens4life2]

neither was your weenie

haha zinggg

[shadowofmyself]

I wasn't that excited about this release, but everyday I get a little more anxious to hear it. I know it's been said a million times on this site already, but October is going to be crazy. I need more money :-)

Whenever I listen to Co&Ca, I can't help but think of this girl that I went to high school with. We were driving to lunch with some friends, and I was playing IKSSE:3. I asked them if they liked it, and this girl proceeded to tell me how she has an uncle, who works at sony, and he gave her a copy of the cd, but she thought it totally sucked and that anyone who listened to them was a complete idiot. This, among other reasons, is why i never took her to lunch again.

[konvalbr]

great review, i got paid today and this preorder was the first thing i spent money on.
i cannot WAIT!!!!

[speakhandsforme]

LYRICS = 7.75?

I like the review, but lyrics are Coheed's best aspects in all of their albums. Consider upping the lyrics rating and lowering the vocals ratings.

[Garett Press]

LYRICS = 7.75?

I like the review, but lyrics are Coheed's best aspects in all of their albums. Consider upping the lyrics rating and lowering the vocals ratings.
You really think Coheed's lyrics are the BEST aspect of the albums? I don't know about that. I mean I'm not much of a lyric person but still, a lot of the time Claudio is very vague - he also repeats words a lot and he has moments that are kickass, but not a constant flow of intriguing lyrics.

On the other hand, the guy does things with his voice that nobody else in this whole entire world does. And he puts so much characterization and effort into his singing. Instead of always justing singing like Claudio he goes from sinister to sweet to girlish to booming - nuts.

The ratings stand

[concernedparent]

I'll never get why people don't like Good Apollo. It's better than second stage turbine blade.

[Nametekken]

wow, great review. i haven't even had this album on my mind till now. They should just post this review everywhere and it will go platinum.

[meeotch]

Holy shit. I'm pumped.

[racecar]

You're an idiot for not liking this band and you're still an idiot for not being able to state why you don't like them in an eloquent way.

hm. this band sucks. the drawing on the cover looks like a third graders scribbles. you're an asshat.

[drudo182]

I really don't like them...

[speakhandsforme]

You really think Coheed's lyrics are the BEST aspect of the albums? I don't know about that. I mean I'm not much of a lyric person but still, a lot of the time Claudio is very vague - he also repeats words a lot and he has moments that are kickass, but not a constant flow of intriguing lyrics.

On the other hand, the guy does things with his voice that nobody else in this whole entire world does. And he puts so much characterization and effort into his singing. Instead of always justing singing like Claudio he goes from sinister to sweet to girlish to booming - nuts.

The ratings stand
Well I am indeed a lyrically-inclined music listener. I promote this in saying that it coincides with writing being my passion and talent in place of being an actual musican. Though Claudio doesn't have the "cute" and charasmatic lyrics that AP drools over (referring to Brand New, Say Anything, and MeWithoutYou), he has mastered the world of lyrical metaphors. He used eccentric terms and magnificent word play which provoke the listener to construct their own certain interpretation; maybe that is vague, but I call it brilliant. There are indeed songs that are lyrically weaker than some of their sibling installments but this can be traced to, in part, to the chapter of the storyline to which the song is assigned.

Now, while his vocals are incredibly dynamic and have great range to compliment their unique delivery, they just don't have that vocal power and forcefulness that elevates the song's intensity and meaning like you can get from singers like Casey Crescenzo, Patrick Stump, and Dallas Green.

I will most definitely provide direct lyrical references from earlier albums to support my argument:


If you get put to sleep like an old dog, you're better off

You stormed off to scar the armada
Like Jesus played letter,
I'll drill through your hands

As God demands, in the end we miss

Spin 'round carousel when your horse isn't screwed in

In our days we've mourned insignias
The passing glance unstamped
We’ve rendered ourselves powerless, unfortunate
The useless mend the fixed

I fought the decisions that call and lost
My mark has the revelant piece in this
I will come reformed
In short, for the murders of those I court
I bless the hour that holds your fall

Those days we lost our dignity,
The eager dare to stand.
The ride home through victory,
On the innocent they tread.

In the words,o f father to son: Thy Kingdom Come.

Well you're just as I presumed
A whore in sheep's clothing
Fucking up all I do

I'll make you wish you hadn't burned our time before
I'll live through this in a manner cursed at my own accord

Now sell all your friends for the unwritten end

God only knows when your word isn't pure
And the blood on your hands isn't yours

"Forgiveness for sale"
I'm through being full

What is this that I feel and what is this that I fear?
In these arms that whored out amongst the worms

As father told son in the make of his final escape
Should all good boys die with God at their side,
At the grace of His gates?

Should capture be our earnest fault?
Breathe up through lust and I'll find your cure

Here wait, so I guess that you knew
That you're a selfish little whore
I'm the selfish little whore
If I had my way I'd crush your face in the door

When your sick to the stomach
Just pull out the knife



So, did my slightly time-consuming persuasive effort even conceive a humble 0.25 sway?

[Garett Press]

Hahaha you know what, I definitely do love Coheed lyrics as much as I love every other thing about this band - with all my heart. And I do agree that they are brilliant.

Then again, we're talking about THIS record, which you haven't heard just yet, regardless of their past lyrical poignancies. Maybe if I had a lyric booklet it would help, but there's a lot of lyrics I can't even understand at this point. Soooo, there are some good lyrics but I can't appreciate them ALL yet, and the rating stands! hahahah

But I agree with everything you said and I loved reading your post, thanks dude

[yoyoninjagirl]

Nice review. I will definitely check this out.

[guitarhead913]

doesn't claudio plan on writing a prequel to the coheed story after this one? like before the story in second stage turbine.

[speakhandsforme]

doesn't claudio plan on writing a prequel to the coheed story after this one? like before the story in second stage turbine.
yes

[Shogun]

hm. this band sucks. the drawing on the cover looks like a third graders scribbles. you're an asshat.

Still waiting for a tiny bit of explanation and eloquence ...

[racecar]

Still waiting for a tiny bit of explanation and eloquence ...

you're waiting for that? dude, put the laptop down. go outside. enjoy your day or something.

[mconfroy]

Willing Well Part 1...Check it out: http://www.noworldfortomorrow.com

[Protested Hero]

you're waiting for that? dude, put the laptop down. go outside. enjoy your day or something.

Coming from the cunt posting on the same exact message board. Smart thinking.

[racecar]

Coming from the cunt posting on the same exact message board. Smart thinking.

first post.

[motioncity182]

great review. i'm SO stoked for this.

[sadie_whitecoat]

Nice review. I was hoping people would say it is reminiscent of Second Stage Turbine Blade or Silent Earth, and this review just made my day! I'm so effing excited for this album and the tour! Anyone see the video today for "The Running Free?"

[Gumbyjag]

You've done it again, Garett.


I'll never get why people don't like Good Apollo. It's better than second stage turbine blade.


I strongly disagree. Good Apollo is amazing but nothing that Second Stage was.

[checkitfool]

I wanted another book.

[infinitesynapse]

Garett - Matt from CobCal.

Just wanted to pop over to yer terf to say you rule sir. <3 Great review.

[mconfroy]

I'm really excited about this album, and I'm probably going to check it out on Ruckus first (because I just found out how useful and cool this program is):

http://www.ruckusnetwork.com/sony_bmg/index.php?mainpic=coheed_cambria&gad=CN3SycQDEgjMhl5O-p45HxizwZP9AyDp2MtJ

[cereal4life]

I've been meaning to check out Coheed for quite a while now!

[garertsroommate]

Garett learned his best moves from me.


:rape:

[GarettsRoomMate]

sorry Garett. I mistyped the name so I remade the account.
Remember a few nights ago when I went crazy in the apartment and I walked in on you peeing....
and you freaked out? hahaha
You looked so scared, like you were about to get raped... LOL

I'll be rooting for you. 2 hours until launch time! Good Luck man!

:hammer:

[Jason Tate]

sorry Garett. I mistyped the name so I remade the account.
Remember a few nights ago when I went crazy in the apartment and I walked in on you peeing....
and you freaked out? hahaha
You looked so scared, like you were about to get raped... LOL

I'll be rooting for you. 2 hours until launch time! Good Luck man!

:hammer:
Can I change your name to "Garett's Boyfriend" ... :-D

[GarettsRoomMate]

hahaha. I made this name while he was standing next to me
:( Garret's bad. someone go beat up him!

[TheHeretic]

I'm really liking the album so far. The only problem is that I wasn't that pumped for this album and wasn't really as excited after listening to it like I was with their previous efforts. This is through fault of my insatiable hunger for Say Anything's new album and the enjoyment/fulfillment I received from the 7 songs I've heard so far. Too bad, but nevertheless a solid effort.

Garrett, unlike you, I absolutely adore 'Radio Bye Bye' though. It might sound awkward when you compare it to the other 'The End Complete' parts, but it's so catchy. Great review nonetheless.

[JTMcKrackles]

I'm only a few tracks in so far, but this album is already kicking my ass.

[_tom_]

Great review man.
But I have to disagree on two counts.
1. I think Justice in Murder is not a good track, hopefully it will grow on me over time, but at the moment it just seems like abit of a swing and a miss. The chorus lets it down.
2. I think Radio Bye Bye is pretty fun. I can see why you'd say it was kinda fillerish, but i think the little vocal breakdown is brilliantly poppy and happy, and I think it's just abit of pop-fun which is something that makes Coheed great. You get all this fantastic music; rock epics and progressive genius with these little pop gems thrown in. However, considering what is actually going on in the story at that point it is understanable to say that a really poppy element isn't really fitting but i think it works.

Other than those minor points, I think you were spot on. Coheed have done it again. It's just going to take abit to get used to the different quality of sound on this album.
Oh and Feathers is almost a perfect pop song.

[Drew Beringer]

This album has completely restored my faith in the band.

[maikii]

The drumming on this album is mind numbingly boring. It's like they recorded one drum track and used it for every song, varying the tempo when needed. I was also quite disappointed to not hear the Coheed and Cambria "theme" anywhere on the album. The End Complete songs are quite a let down with the exception of part III. That being said, this is slightly better than Good Apollo Volume 1... Though it doesn't even compare to Second Stage or In Keeping Secrets... Say what you will about bands "needing to change" and all that, I don't care. I really miss their old style and hope they decide to go back to it for the prequel.

Edit: Just to clarify, I'm not saying that Coheed and Cambria suck now. They're a great band. I'm just unhappy with the direction they've been taking with these last 2 albums. I truly miss the epic (truly epic, i.e. The Crowing, the Light and the Glass, etc.) songs that didn't have to rely on crazy solos.

[DangerousDarrin]

maikii, that's exactly why I hate to hear taylor hawkins recorded. A good drummer he is, but he doesn't put it into his recordings. He's very boring to listen to. I also completely agree with your whole post.

[speakhandsforme]

This album is not even CLOSE to Good Apollo (which, in my mind, is their best work by far)

[BBScience]

Gravemakers & Gunslingers melts faces, nuff said.

[Branevember31]

this cd completely got me back into coheed...listened for like a week straight

[Stephen Chamberlain]

This album is not even CLOSE to Good Apollo (which, in my mind, is their best work by far)

Correct.

This has been growing on me, and there's a lot of good stuff here. I think my biggest gripe, however, is that there are too many power ballads. I was able to get over the preponderance of slow acoustic tracks on Vol. 1 because of the brilliance of the Willing Well series. So with this record, especially when it was billed a blazing riff-fest from several reviewers, I wasn't expecting a lot of momentum-killers. Like Vol. 1, I might be more inclined to overlook this if the End songs were solid; instead and unlike the Wells, 2 out of the 4 are attempts at prog excess and seamless transitions rather than fully realized experiments.
Botton Line:
Interestingly, although this record contains 9 of 13 songs to which I enjoy listening, I would call it a dissapointment because, as the final chapter, it's underwhelming; early reviews characterized it as a rifftastic extravaganza, which it's not because of the surfeit of power-ballads; the drummer change added nothing new or interesting; and the End songs did not meet the standard of the Willing Wells. Let's hope that with the prequel they tap Chris Pennie's skills, and write a more cohesive and well-executed record.
__________________

[Poochemist]

The drumming on this album is mind numbingly boring. It's like they recorded one drum track and used it for every song, varying the tempo when needed. I was also quite disappointed to not hear the Coheed and Cambria "theme" anywhere on the album. The End Complete songs are quite a let down with the exception of part III. That being said, this is slightly better than Good Apollo Volume 1... Though it doesn't even compare to Second Stage or In Keeping Secrets... Say what you will about bands "needing to change" and all that, I don't care. I really miss their old style and hope they decide to go back to it for the prequel.

Edit: Just to clarify, I'm not saying that Coheed and Cambria suck now. They're a great band. I'm just unhappy with the direction they've been taking with these last 2 albums. I truly miss the epic (truly epic, i.e. The Crowing, the Light and the Glass, etc.) songs that didn't have to rely on crazy solos.

I also missed hearing any recapitulations of the Coheed theme. Near the end of the album, I was expecting it, and it never happened. That was one of the cool things about hearing III, because they took a little piano fill and made it into an overture.

[Chico]

I like this album more than I thought would. Great review.

[gusta0117]

with every listen, this album is getting better.

my least enjoyed coheed album but it has some awesome songs

[Vismund_Cygnus]

Don't mean to be ignorant, but are they really that good?

...I haven't hopped on the bandwagon yet.

[industrialbelt]

Don't mean to be ignorant, but are they really that good?

...I haven't hopped on the bandwagon yet.

get on now.

[lilRIPsta]

was anyone else (if anyone actually bought this) depressed by the packaging and lack of lyric sheet?

[ActorInThisPlay]

this album is so good...I love it.

[sjb2k1]

a happy coheed story:

once upon a time, sjb2k1 got her girlfriend to listen to "IV-the road and the damned" from no world for tomorrow. "you'll like it," sjb2k1 said, hoping the orchestral parts would hook her girlfriend right in. 3.5 minutes later the girlfriend said, "awesome song! but i thought you knew i have that really long song (2113) on my ipod?..."

she listens to C&C when i'm not around! mission complete!

[xburningcoffin]

i would have bought this if the store i went to ould have actually sold it to me...being in a small town that has no record stores the only option i had to buy it was at KMART...so i had the cd in my hands and then the cashier wouldn't sell it to me...because the upc code said it was "before the sell date" now i would like to know why the fuck would any store put something on their shelves that they couldn't sell it is utterly ridiculous and everyone should boycott KMART ....i didnt even think they still existed but they do and they are awful...

[AShannon04]

not totally sure how I feel about this yet. Pretty good, but the last few tracks kinda drag, IMO

[panicbxmb]

great review for an excellent album. this one is barely leaving my stereo :)

[panicbxmb]

was anyone else (if anyone actually bought this) depressed by the packaging and lack of lyric sheet?


i take it you bought the regular edition? (hope you got it at best buy, its only $8 there)

the deluxe edition came with a lyric book, a dvd, and really nice interior art on the digipak case itself.

you should probably return yours for an upgrade :)

[speakhandsforme]

Wow, I am really disappointed by this album.

[MatthiasEllis]

Bahhhhhhhh Why Did I Spend 8 Dollars On This Record

[metalfreak_5]

Weird rock ... but actually pretty good

[scole]

Excellent review. I have to say, I really didn't know what to expect out of the new album. However, after giving it a few listens, and then listening to it in the context of the albums, I think that it is a great conclusion to the Coheed saga. It may seem epic to some, but it is the conclusion of an epic story, so that was to be expected. Overall, I definitely enjoy the album.

[omgshe'sdead]

This record is good. I didn't expect that.

[FUCKDIRTYWIPES]

sooooooo good. damn.

[conker87]

I was worried that C&C could not make something as pioneering and inspirational (guess who is learning how to play the guitar because of that album? :)) than Vol. One. However, I'm not sure why I doubted them.

My only slight disappointment is "On The Brink," I suppose I was silly expecting another 7 minute solo. Though I do love the new sound in this song - Blues is it? Claudio sounds amazing singing this

[Baseball Furies]

Love this album, massive improvement on their previous effort.
Mother Superior is easily one of the best songs they've ever done.

Taylor Hawkins on drums is a nice touch also, some of his fills are superb.

[EchoPark]

Awesome Review. Sad to see the story end. Feathers and The Running Free really are the 2 stand out tracks on this record.

[Crank]

I can listen to this album on repeat for the rest of my life probably. Along with their other albums.

[Corey Hoffy]

I personally liked this better than part one.

[Sancho10]

A lot of people say that this album was a let down but I loved the hell out of it