Album Review

Coheed & Cambria – The Afterman:Descension

• 6th Feb 2013

Coheed And Cambria return with their follow up to The Afterman: Ascension with 7th studio album The Afterman: Descension, as part of a double album release. The bold record is as explosive as it is atmospheric; just in the right proportions too, executing a well rounded set of tracks that take the listener on a journey they’re not going to forget.

Kicking off the record is a peaceful, lullaby-esque introduction named “Pretelethal” that soon welcomes Claudio Sanchez’s distinctive vocals; slightly echoed in effect to compliment the ambience. A build up of a dominant drum beat leads into a powerful and dramatic section of the track, continuing to transition between both of these elements of peace and power to invite an explosive opening.

The record continues on its explosive journey and one track in particular, “The Hard Sell” stands out significantly: its energetic vibe is created musically by captivating hooks and a strong drum beat, not to mention the fantastically characterised vocals. “Number City” initially boasts very weighted bass, welcoming the contrasting high range vocals of Sanchez which adds fantastic variety to the track; once guitar is introduced the pace is quickened, to execute a similar energy as “The Hard Sell.”

The dominant bass is removed from “Away We Go,” a track which is much calmer but generally just as uplifting as others; the bouncy riffs and charming, smooth vocals in the verses are really captivating, along with the infectious hooks in between. “Iron Fist” similarly calms the record down with an acoustic rhythm, slowly joined by softer electronic guitar and steadier percussion throughout. Drawing to a close, “2’s My Favourite 1” concludes the record nicely, fading it out in a similar lullaby-like state in which it opened to.
Coheed And Cambria have done it again: The Afterman: Descension is such an explosive record and in parts, anthemic in its own right. There are some big tracks on the release and their ability to smoothly transition from calm to upbeat is somewhat admirable. A top record that will hook you from the start!

Venue: The Afterman:Descension
Support Band: Hundred Handed