Coheed and Cambria

I love a mid week show, nothing gets me through hump day like seeing loud guitars. I was pretty disappointed when they dropped out of the Soundwave line-up but thankfully, the much hyped Coheed & Cambria lived up to every one of my expectations. They’re definitely the first metal band I’ve seen with back up singers a la Jimmy Barnes (yep, there were two blondes singing back up vocals for the whole set).

So the night started with local lads Closure in Moscow, they were pretty much what I expected, the lead singer reminded me of the lead guy from The Scare with his dancing – but I won’t hold that against them. I didn’t really get into it that much, sorry guys, I promise I won’t be so distracted next time.

The thing I like most about Coheed is that they come on stage looking like scary metal guys, then Claudio Sanchez starts singing and all seems right with the world. I actually spent a lot of the night standing with my mouth open at the sheer talent on stage. Seriously, these guys know their craft – it’s so good to see.

The crowd was pretty diverse tonight, and they all appreciated the music in different (if not entirely vocal) ways. There were a few crowd surfers, a few sing-along-ers, a few head boppers, and a lot of gaping mouths… yep, Coheed are pretty damn good at getting the same sound out live that they manage to get out on their CDs. Am I gushing?

Anyway, the absolute highlight of the set was the Everything Evil-The Trooper-Devil in Jersey City-Everything Evil medley. It was blistering, anyone that covers Iron Maiden well is worthy of respect (and adulation).

Other notable mentions should go to opening number No World For Tomorrow (a great track to start on), Blood Red Summer, In Keeping Secrets of the Silent Earth, and Gravemakers and Gunslingers.

They were men of big hair and few words, but the instruments did all the talking required. I’ll definitely be front row centre next time they come.

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