THE SECOND STAGE TURBINE BLADE

Well, I'll admit of the bat that I am a very biased because I'm a pretty hardcore Coheed and Cambria fan and I like the way they approach their music. I think the reason why I'm so attracted to this album specifically is because this album really best defines their sound as a band, which develops even more in later albums. The use of dissonance and experimentation as well as appeal and traditional musical formulas and even (gasp) pop is a very seamless transition for this band in general. There is clearly a lot of thought put into the music. This is displayed in tracks like Time Consumer, Junesong Provision, and Godsend Conspirator. They also change up some of the more traditional patterns of organizing a song into something that isn't sporadic, but very clearly defined to fit the mood of the lyrical themes, which I think is elemental in giving this music a soul. The track Everything Evil, for example, has many repeating themes in the music, but slowly creeps up to a peak (kind of like sex), placing the most catchy and strong element of the song at the very end to create a powerful finish. This is done with a few other tracks off of different albums as well. It took me years to fully understand and appreciate this band, but the time was worth it. Don't turn away at the bubblegum wrapping and vocal tones that require a more acquired taste, there is a lot more to this band than what first comes to the ear. This album and From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness are essentials for me. The other three albums are fabulous too.