Out Now
Virgin Music Group
Words by Angela Croudace
Coheed and Cambria’s new album, Vaxis: Act III: The Father of Make Believe, is a bold continuation of the band’s long-running saga, The Amory Wars. This album feels like a natural progression for the band, blending their signature prog-rock sound with new elements that keep their music exciting and engaging. The Father of Make Believe is a sophisticated and elaborate piece, highlighting not only the band’s expertise in their craft, but also their capacity to grow while remaining faithful to their origins.
Yesterday’s Lost and Goodbye, Sunshine, both of these tracks set a strong tone for the album in distinct ways. Yesterday’s Lost opens with piano and light synths before it gives way to soft plucking and Sanchez‘s ethereal melodic vocals. The track keeps a slower, introspective pace, making it an intriguing opener. On the other hand, Goodbye, Sunshine immediately grabs attention with its punchy, driving guitars, providing a more classic rock vibe, setting the tone for the energy of the tracks that follow.
Claudio Sanchez’s vocals have always been a defining feature of Coheed and Cambria’s music, and here they are as captivating as ever. His voice ranges from powerful and soaring to vulnerable and introspective, delivering the complex narrative of the album with emotional conviction. It’s clear that The Father of Make Believe is as much a personal journey as it is a continuation of the Amory Wars story.
There are many standout moments throughout the album, but Play the Poet truly deserves special recognition for its dynamic rhythm and irresistible energy. The track blends drum and bass elements with guitar-driven rock hooks in a way that’s both surprising and captivating. It’s a high-energy anthem that showcases the band’s boundless creativity—an unlikely fusion that shouldn’t work, yet it’s undeniably unique and catchy, making it a sonic earworm you can’t shake off.
Another standout is One Last Miracle, a track that channels an 80s glam metal, superhero theme song vibe in the most exhilarating way. It feels like a soundtrack to the Armory Wars comics, perfectly capturing the essence of Coheed and Cambria’s journey. This song embodies the thematic contrasts that run throughout the album, propelling the listener forward with energy and storytelling brilliance.
Perhaps the most climactic moment of the album comes toward the end with The Continuum I: Welcome to Forever, Mr. Nobody, an epic track that feels like the emotional apex of the entire narrative. The song’s build and ultimate release mirror the journey of the album, giving listeners a sense of resolution while leaving just enough space for the story to unfold in the final tracks. The guitars here, courtesy of the ever talented Travis Stever along with Sanchez channel a sound reminiscent of classic metal, evoking the raw energy of older tracks in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. This one is a strong contender for my favourite, alongside Play the Poet.
The Continuum IV: So It Goes serves as the perfect conclusion to the album, blending the record’s rock roots with a surprisingly pop-infused, synth-driven edge. Its upbeat vibe evokes the spirit of The Beatles, and while it shouldn’t work in theory, it undeniably adds a fascinating twist to the album’s sound. The track takes an unexpected turn at the four-minute mark, abruptly shifting direction to make way for a bonus track that feels like the closing chapter of an epic saga. With orchestral elements and a haunting silence, it sends chills down your spine, offering a truly goosebumps-inducing moment. This track is the key that ties the entire Vaxis arc together, culminating in a mind-blowing, emotional finish.
There’s a clear ambition here. The album’s sound is bigger and more cinematic, with sweeping melodies and intricate time signatures that evoke a sense of constant motion. The rhythm section—anchored by drummer Josh Eppard and bassist Zach Cooper—pulses with urgency, while the guitars of Claudio Sanchez and Travis Stever continue to create anthemic and intricate textures that elevate every song.
Vaxis: Act III: The Father of Make Believe is a stunning achievement for Coheed and Cambria. It’s an album that captures the complexity of their musical journey while maintaining the emotional core that has always defined their work. The album’s blend of progressive rock, storytelling, and intricate musicianship is both accessible and challenging, making it a rewarding listen for long-time fans and newcomers alike.
The band has once again proven that they’re capable of pushing the boundaries of what progressive rock can be, all while staying true to the narrative and themes that have made them one of the most unique and enduring acts in modern rock. As the third chapter of the Vaxis saga, The Father of Make Believe sets a high bar, and it’s clear that Coheed and Cambria are far from done telling their story.
