If one has never been exposed to the music of Coheed And Cambria, one might guess that that the name might refer to a hip-hop duo. Nothing could be further from the truth as they are a band who combines elements of progressive rock, pop, and hardcore punk into their sound.

They are also a band that evokes strong feelings. Most people tend to like them or hate them with very little middle ground.

Guitarist/vocalist Chris Sanchez, guitarist Travis Slever, bassist Michael Todd, and drummer Josh Eppard formed the band in 2005. They have traveled in a different, unusual, and creative direction as each studio release is a concept album. They are based on the ongoing science fiction story, The Amory Wars, which is also a comic book and graphic novel series conceived and written by Sanchez. The band’s name is taken from two characters in the series.

Given the band’s approach, the albums are not a light listen. The songs flow into each other and while the textures and tempos may vary, they all further the story. Some tracks can be pulled off and listened to individually, but overall, each album is a creative whole, as is the series.

Their second album, In Keeping Secrets Of Silent Earth: 3, has just been reissued as a two LP, 180-gram vinyl set. As with carefully produced LPs recorded on non-recycled vinyl and played on a good system, the sound is equal to and many times surpasses that of a CD.

The music and the lyrics run counter to each other many times throughout this release. The music is melodic and at times contains catchy hooks. At other points, it is atmospheric, while some of the songs have a heavy metal or post-punk foundation. The lyrics, in addition to telling a story, travel a very dark road.

Rating: B+

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