If there’s one thing that sets New York prog-rock group Coheed and Cambria apart, it’s their unmatched ability to tell a gripping story through their records. Their latest release, The Father of Make Believe, marks their eleventh concept album and the third instalment in their Vaxis series. With lead vocalist Claudio Sanchez also being a prolific writer, his comic book series The Armory Wars serves as the foundational lore for all of their albums, weaving intricate narratives across their vast discography. But lore aside, The Father of Make Believe is an album that stands strong in its own musical merits.
Opening with “Yesterday’s Lost”, the tone is immediately set. A delicate piano solo introduces the records before Sanchez’s subdued vocals creep in, accompanied by a jangly, happy-sounding acoustic guitar. The lyrics, “If this life ends early, would I have spent our time right? Here at your mercy or lost in our biggest fight?” give the first taste of the album’s story, setting an introspective, almost wistful atmosphere.
Contrastingly, “Goodbye Sunshine” is big from the get-go, bursting in with a driving rhythm section powered by drummer, Josh Eppard. Its a pop-rock anthem with with infectious melodies, full to the brim with energy. This is a track that even casual listeners will be able to enjoy, without delving deep into the album’s lore. “Searching For Tomorrow” is a huge standout, opening with an electronic-infused intro before transitioning into a rapid, intricate guitar riff courtesy of Travis Stever. The track maintains a palpable sense of urgency, propelled by dynamic drum work and layered instrumentation. Meanwhile, the titular track, “The Father of Make Believe”, is a theatrical piece. It epitomises what makes Coheed and Cambria so special- blending complex storytelling with explosive energy, soaring guitar work and a catchy melody.
“Meri of Mercy” takes a more delicate approach, beginning with an emotive piano introduction before subtly building into a full-on rock ballad. The song is from the perspective of protagonist Sirius Armory, pouring his heart out to his wife, Meri. The lyrics, “Meri, I’m not gonna quit until I can see the end of this life with you there beside me,” lay the emotional core of the album bare. In contrast, “Blind Side Sonny” injects a bit of a country-rock flair with bluesy undertones and raw, shouty vocals. While I can appreciate that it serves as a significant role in the album’s narrative, its placement feels slightly disjointed in the grander scheme.
“Play The Poet” carries a frenetic energy that is reminiscent of My Chemical Romance, specifically their Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge era. Its punchy, urgent sound makes for an exhilarating listen. “One Last Miracle”, while carrying a slightly darker sonic aesthetic, balances its moody verses with an anthem, sing-along chorus that is sure to get stuck in your head.
“Corner My Confidence” is a quiet, reflective ballad. While full-length, it feels more like an interlude, marking a pivotal shift in the album’s story. The band’s ability to build atmosphere and anticipation shines here, making it a moment of pause before the album’s final stretch. “Someone Who Can” has a strong early 2000s rock influence, reminiscent of bands like Matchbox Twenty. This track is polished yet restrained, finding a perfect balance between rock energy and emotional weight.
The album closes with “The Continuum”, a four-part epic, each section told from a different character’s perspective. This ambitious suit showcases the band’s ability to shift musical styles while maintaining a cohesive narrative. The final part, “So It Goes”, is quite a whimsical closing track. Beginning with playful instrumentation and light-hearted vocals, it culminates in a grandiose string arrangement that feels like the perfect cinematic conclusion. The mixture of piano, electronic elements, intricate guitar lines and Sanchez’s beautiful vocals make for a breathtaking finale- an ambitious move that is executed flawlessly.
The Father of Make Believe is a really enjoyable record. As someone who was relatively new to the expansive lore of Coheed and Cambria’s previous ten albums, I found it to be just as engaging on a first listen as it was after diving deeper into the story. Whether you’re entering the Armory Wars universe blindly or you’ve been eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the saga, listeners will not be disappointed. This album is yet another testament to Sanchez’s exceptional storytelling, paired with the band’s ability to craft grand, multi-layered compositions that feel both larger-than-life yet deeply personal. Each track on this record carries weight, blending genres and sonic textures in a way that only Coheed and Cambria can, further proving their place as one of the most innovative bands in modern rock.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
The Father of Make Believe is out now – grab a copy HERE
