Before I picked up Coheed and Cambria’s fourth album, Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume Two: No World for Tomorrow (2007), I had no idea who the hell they were. In fact, when I looked at the hand drawn shirtless man’s back on the cover (presumably drawn by lead singer Claudio Sanchez, who draws an accompanying comic series), I was pretty sure I would have no interest in this band whatsoever. Upon further inspection, they’re actually quite fascinating.

In the tradition of Star Wars, the albums come out of order, telling a complex story of the “Armory Wars.” Albums two, three and four (in two parts) have come out, paving the way for the fifth album and first part of the story to be released sometime in 2009. Confusing as that sounds, the series is so loved by fans that No World for Tomorrow received a 9.0/10 on metacritic.com.

Regardless of your interest in the story, C&C’s music is reminiscent of the good old days of stadium rock. With catchy rock anthems sprinkled with feel-good power chords, riffs and lyrics like “All non-believers stand aside in fear / A new day's marching through the door / How could you ever think you'd make it here?”, the album kinda makes me want to dust off my old air guitar and play a few. The music is catchy, mixing metal sensibilities with punky melodic harmonies.

The neo-hair metal outfit started in 1995 as Shabűtie (meaning “naked prey,” taken from African tribe dances) and changed its name in 2001. Their complex concept albums (and ultimately, concept band) are a throwback to a time when singles weren’t as important as the entire album. If you’re really a music aficionado and appreciate creative takes on old formats of music (and you have a penchant for mainstream metal), check these fellows out.  

You’re welcome!

SS