YEAR OF THE BLACK RAINBOW

Coheed returns with the prequel to their Amory Wars concept angle and it's a step-up from 2007's No World For Tomorrow. Coheed really reasserts their unique style on this album after opting for a more neo-classic rock approach a few years ago. This is a positive. However, their approach is more formulaic and streamlined than it was in the past. There aren't any lengthy prog epics to be found here, and the only song that goes over six minutes is probably one of the weakest in their entire catalog. This is somewhat of a negative.

However, I am here to grade the album for what's actually there, not for what isn't there. And what's here is very good. Vocally, this is lead singer Claudio Sanchez's strongest album, with at least two really strong hooks in each track. That said, it's certainly their catchiest album, a testament to the band's strong pop sensibilities. Still, there is plenty here for the progressive music fan, with awesome musical showcases and a sense of grandosity that goes along with any prog album.

I would consider this a good addition to a prog collection. This is not as good or progressive as 2002's Second Stage Turbine Blade or From Fear Through The Eyes Of Madness from 2005, but it's light years ahead of most music being released today and can stand toe to toe with most of the progressive albums in my collection in terms of quality. This was obviously an inspired effort for the Coheed boys and there is plenty here to like.

HIGHLIGHTS:

The Broken - Coheed loves to open with an epic and this one manages to capture that in just under four minutes. The breakdown in the middle is as powerful as the band had gotten.

Guns Of Summer - best technical showcase on the album. Great contrast between the mind-bending verse and the soaring chorus.

Made Out Of Nothing (All That I Am) - maybe the poppiest thing on this album.... but I can't help but love when pop is done THIS well. This is my personal favorite on the album. Everything here just works perfectly, listen for yourself.

In The Flame Of Error - heavy, dark, powerful piece. Huge highlight near the end of the album. That riff in the verse is just awesome.

****/5