Opera Section Number…What?

Many bands have tried their hands at a complete revamping of their sound and appeal but few bands that have attempted let alone securely executed a comprehensive rock opera. Coheed and Cambria have done both of those with part four of their operatic albums Good Apollo I’m Burning Star. Here with their newest installment is the first of two volumes for the concluding quarter of the opera, From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness. Once upon a time, Coheed and Cambria was an emo band with indie record company Equal Vision. Now they are on Columbia’s label. Instead of changing in the natural way (as most other artists once they go major), C&C does not acquire a ruthlessly pop sound. Rather, they opt for of all crazy things, a progressive metal approach fraught with (almost feminine) Rush-like vocals and guitar solos that parallel that of Pink Floyd’s Dave Gilmour.

The great musical concept is beautifully accomplished though the sub sectioning of the multiple songs (like the final four tracks, all sections of “The Willing Well”) which makes the story line a bit difficult to follow. Some who just want a good album might find this standoffish.

All in all, Coheed and Cambria made their style change successfully and with flair. Their musical technique fits right in with 80s metal (a terrible idea for their former emo fans) and the album stays with the rest of the opera format. Hopefully their next endeavor won’t be as complicated so their quality and sound can appeal to a broader spectrum of listeners.