Coheed and Cambria

Ten albums in, something changed for Coheed and Cambria. As singer, guitarist, and storyteller Claudio Sanchez began plotting out the sci-fi-inspired New York prog legends’ latest, The Father of Make Believe, he found himself writing more directly about his life and, especially, his career. Amid the wailing guitars, cracking drums, and Sanchez’ powerful voice — centering listeners throughout moments placid and pinwheeling — Coheed devotees will still find plenty of character work and references to the lore. But if you’re new here, there’s no homework required to feel our host’s hopes, fears, battles, and triumphs. Of course, you may get drawn in anyway. Coheed — which includes Travis Stever (lead guitar), Josh Eppard (drums), and Zach Cooper (bass) — emerged in the early 2000s wedged between an emo renaissance and a metal revival. While their peers broke hearts and banged heads, they crafted Game of Thrones-level fantasies around their Amory Wars storyline, which unfurls across 78 planets known as Heaven’s Fence. Eight of the band’s albums thus far (plus a small galaxy of comics and novels) live in this space and so does The Father of Make Believe. It’s just that the sky is cracking, revealing the hand behind the scene. In the past, says Sanchez, “I’ve kept the struggles of my life private. When I can’t express myself in words, I express in worlds.” And yet, as he assumes the role of main character, Coheed are yet again finding new ways to bring us into their universe.