Album Review: Coheed & Cambria - 'The Afterman: Descension'

With the release of the second half of Coheed & Cambria's double album, 'The Afterman: Descension,' it is clear that front man Claudio Sanchez is being far more obvious in the lyrics with his story-lines than he has in past records. Maybe now that the albums are becoming movies he feels things need to be a little clearer? Regardless, everything is all still well and good in the world of Coheed & Cambria, the lyrics don't seem out of place, just easier to follow, so technically it's a positive.

The narrative of the computer on the Key Entity Extraction tracks helps to keep the story clear throughout the double albums while the band become a little more musically experimental on the second half. Once you get past the massive opener Pretelehal, which is park folk, part stadium rock, the first out-of-the-box moment comes with the Pink Floyd inspired The Hard Sell. Groove seems to be key in this track and the dance song following it, 'Number City,' a refreshing element in what is essentially a double album and the band's seventh release. The typical Coheed rock would be a little stale by now so instead they are venturing out, but still managing to sound like themselves, especially in the horn tinged chorus lines that make this song a stand-out.

For those who are starting to get a little scared of change at this point the band jump back into a standard rock number that will appease your fears on 'Gravity's Union.' Another couple of highlights are the lighter toned classic rock sounds of 'Away We Go' and the softer 'Iron Fist', which combines the brilliance that is ballad style Coheed with some electronic touches in perfect union.

The record, which seems to lend itself to a softer side more than anything else, closes with the building 'Dark Side Of Me,' which starts on a quieter note then builds up into a crushing wall of guitars and 2's My Favourite 1, which once again uses classic rock influences with some key piano parts for good measure.

Due to its diversity, the second half of The Afterman is much better than the first. There is far more colour and it is possibly the most musically adventurous Coheed & Cambria have ever been on a record, so for those who may have been tiring of their solo laced rocking, this will re-ignite your Coheed spark. Plus you will know doubt want to find out what happens to The Afterman...

1. Pretelethal

2. Key Entity Extraction V Sentry The Defiant

3. The Hard Sell

4. Number City

5. Gravity's Union

6. Away We Go

7. Iron Fist

8. Dark Side Of Me

9. 2's My Favourite 1