COHEED AND CAMBRIA • Vaxis III: The Father Of Make Believe (Translucent Light Green) • DoLP

With their new album "Vaxis Act III: The Father Of Make Believe", Coheed And Cambria are writing the next chapter in their epic science fiction saga. With powerful compositions and exciting storytelling, the New Yorkers once again take their fans into the world of the galactic "Armory Wars".

The sprawling story is the brainchild of guitarist and singer Claudio Sanchez, who has continued to flesh it out on ten albums to date as well as in various novels and comics. It has served his band as a starting point and inspiration for their fascinating and multi-layered prog rock since 1995. You can hear the influence of Rush as well as the bombast of Queen and the radical freedom of Faith No More. Nevertheless, Coheed And Cambria sound absolutely modern and accessible, which is probably mainly due to their socialization in the alternative and emo scene of the early millennium.

"The Father Of Make Believe" is now the third chapter about the protagonist Vaxis. This narrative thread began in 2018 with "Vaxis Act I: The Unheavenly Creatures" and marked a musical change for the band. The structures became catchier, the atmosphere denser and the pop appeal of Coheed And Cambria increased significantly. A development that is emblematic of the New Yorkers' versatility and continues on their new album. Good-humored pop-rock numbers such as "Someone Who Can" and "Goodbye, Sunshine" invite you to sing along and dance. Tracks like "Blind Side Sonny", a short burst of energy with a strong punk riff, form the opposite pole.

Incidentally, you don't have to be familiar with the extensive history to enjoy the music of Coheed And Cambria. But if you want to delve deep into the universe of the "Armory Wars", you will also find fascinating characters and stories on "Vaxis Act III: The Father Of Make Believe".