The Identity Matrix Domain

The Identity Matrix · 12-01-2015, 09:09 PM

Delirium Trigger - (2003)
Music Video by Coheed and Cambria

While not released as an official single off of its respective album, Delerium Trigger easily could have gone up against Devil in Jersey City as a single. Now Delirium Trigger is not the best song on the album but it had some single power behind it. I personally do not put this on the top list of Coheed songs but it for sure has merit and I appreciate it for what it has to offer. I find it generally to be much more similar to the work that they have on their next album, (review coming tomorrow or Thursday) In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3. It has a much better production quality compared to other songs on the record, and the performance is full of energy. The song feels like it provides some story elements that I cannot quite distinguish like I could from other tracks but it still stands on its own as a song. This allows the song to not become muddled in lyrical themes one doesn't understand. Thought the song is heavily tied in with the story it seems to border on the acceptance of death or the will to survive. One final note for the track is that there is a cool Alien, the movie directed by Ridley Scott, reference towards the beginning of the track.

As for the music video itself, It provides an interesting look at what was going through Claudio's head at the time. What we get here is multiple shots of the band performing the song on stage and in studio, with an overlay of what looks to be neon sign effects. Nothing that really adds to the overall presentation. Between the performance shots we get what looks to be a zoomed in shot with a small lens view, similar to that of a microscope. With different objects, like food, faces of the band mates, and other things that I cannot make out, glossing over the lens. It certainly grabs the attention of the viewer but eventually becomes kind of distracting to the point that the song ends up fading to the back end of your mind. Losing that ability to actively listen to a song within the music video is not a good thing. Claudio's creativity here fails to capture the story and fails to capture the mood or ideas of the song. Overall I can see why the video itself isn't on the top when you search youtube for Coheed and Cambria tracks.

The song gets a like/meh but the video is a dislike. Just not a fan of the presentation.

Listen to it yourself and give me your opinions. Like it? Dislike it? Why?

The Batlord · 12-02-2015, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black Francis

So what you're saying is, i should bring my wildly unpopular music journal and give it another shot?

No. You're a piece of ****.

Black Francis · 12-02-2015, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Identity Matrix

I can see that you are pixies fan if I am not mistaken. Trust me when I say alternative will get the spotlight later down the road. Like you already said I came prepared.

However I would like to know what kind of alternative you are thinking about when asking that question.

Also I would love to see a journal from you. I would assume I missed it when going through the less active journals.

idk just bands in the alternative genre. whichever bands you like.
You'll see my journal pop up soon, Batlord's little speech motivated me to get it going again.

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Batlord

No. You're a piece of ****.

You're a piece of cake too.

The Batlord · 12-02-2015, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black Francis

You'll see my journal pop up soon, Batlord's little speech motivated me to get it going again.

*considers leaving this forum and joining Urban in Bumfuck Island*

The Identity Matrix · 12-02-2015, 06:28 PM

In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 - (2003)

Album by Coheed and Cambria

The immediate follow up to Coheed and Cambria's solid debut record is one of their most celebrated to date. In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 is a record that sees the band move forward with their sound. Applying stronger production quality, improved story-telling, and an overall improved sound. This album has many strong qualities that put it near the top when it comes to 2000's prog. The album does contain similar influences to their last release, The Second Stage Turbine Blade, but progressive rock and emo win out the day in this release. The story itself on this album is more well known among casual fans of the Amory Wars. In this review I will provide a quick summary of this chapter from the Amory Wars comics, courtesy of the Evil Inks Comics Website.

"Ten years after "Second Stage Turbine Blade", son Claudio emerges from the depths of Shylos Ten, the Fence's "quiet" planet where the Red Army performs its brutal interrogations and imprisonments. In finding out that his entire family has been murdered, Claudio begins his quest for vendetta. His foes, Supreme Tri Mage Wilhelm Ryan and General Mayo Deftinwolf sense that he is still alive and holds special powers. They know they must stop him before he defeats them. Meanwhile, Inferno (Jesse Kilgannon) takes up arms against the Red Army (“Man your Battlestations”) in an effort to seek the same kind of vengeance on him. In Claudio’s re-emergence he teams up with Ambellina, the Prise who is selected by her peers to be his guide. The pair along with Sizer, a disassembled IRO-bot, seek out Inferno to find answers as to why his family were killed, but their plans take an unexpected turn in a ship called the Camper Velourium, and a freighter pilot named Al the Killer."

This is meant for anyone reading this review so that they can have a basic understanding of what is occurring in the plot. I will do a much more in depth review of the story itself later in the discography review.

Now back to the main review. Like I was saying earlier, the majority of tracks either stick to the formula of emo with prog elements or prog with emo elements. Due to Claudio's strong vocal range he pulls off both styles very nicely throughout the record. The rest of the band members, Travis Stever (Lead/Rhythm Guitar and Backing Vocals), Michael Todd (Bass/Backing Vocals) and Josh Eppard (Drums/Backing Vocals) all combine to form the backbone of the Coheed sound. All talented musicians, along with Claudio, they provide some of the most memorable instrumentation in the discography. The album opens up with intro The Ring in Return. A much more interesting intro compared to last album. It includes a small piece of music that is supposed to represent time passing. Thus setting up the story for the next song, the title track opens up as an epic prog rock track filled with powerful guitar work, and one of Claudio's best vocal performance to date. The album has a few other major prog influenced tracks, The Light and The Glass, and 2113 are both fantastic examples of the more modern progressive rock scene making a name for itself. The song that Coheed is arguably the most known for A Favor House Atlantic is on this record along with Blood Red Summer two of the most cut and dry emo tracks of Coheed's career. These all surround the first ever song series, The Camper Velourium series, that will later influence the creation of other song series. The album overall plays its cards right by allowing itself to be creative while also producing quality pop/emo rock singles ready for the radio. I personally find that this album is where Coheed and Cambria come into their own and, unlike last record, it is able to tell the story through the song and its lyrics. While the songs don't stand on their own as well as Second Stage Turbine Blade, due to the more common story based lyrics, the shorter songs tend to be a bit more listenable out of context.

While certain songs can be confusing on their own the whole album plays like a dream. Playing one event after another telling a cohesive story that draws you in and keeps one engaged. Tracks like The Crowing play around with differing styles from emo hooks to Black Sabbath riffs that chug away. It changes the pace enough to keep you guessing but still acts a cohesive work. Easily one of the top cuts on this record. The Camper Velourium series takes one on a journey almost entirely separate from the rest of the album mixing atmospheric, classic rock, and post-hardcore into the three song set. The album starts strong with the title track, Cuts Marked in the March of Men, and Three Evils (Embodied in Love and Shadow). They all feel so complete with the prog influences mixed in with some catchy hooks and instrumentation. This was Coheed's first album to be certified gold, and rightfully so. This is the definitive Coheed and Cambria record.

The album as a whole provides a cohesive journey through dark themes and even darker instrumentation on the longer tracks. It promises in the beginning with the title track, and delivers almost immediately. Just like last album this album remains a personal favorite here in the domain, and will be for a long time, with all tracks hitting rotation.

In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 gets a 9.3/10

Positives:
-The vocal delivery and instrumentation are fantastic
-Better production quality
-Cohesive story throughout

Negatives:
-Certain songs can be confusing at times on their own

Standout Tracks: Every single track stands out to me.

Weaker Tracks: Seriously??

Does this review make you want to listen to the record? If so how would you rate it?

Thanks for reading!

Tristan_Geoff · 12-02-2015, 08:40 PM

Well, you certainly have dedication, these are pretty well written too. Loving the journal so far, keep at it.

As for those questions you asked me earlier: I've heard Devil In Jersey City, Delirium Trigger, and another song I forgot the name of off Second Stage. I really liked them, Delirium Trigger especially.

If you haven't heard other modern prog bands like Porcupine Tree, Animals as Leaders, Triplicity, or Mars Volta, you should review them for this.

The Identity Matrix · 12-03-2015, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tristan Geoff

Well, you certainly have dedication, these are pretty well written too. Loving the journal so far, keep at it.

As for those questions you asked me earlier: I've heard Devil In Jersey City, Delirium Trigger, and another song I forgot the name of off Second Stage. I really liked them, Delirium Trigger especially.

If you haven't heard other modern prog bands like Porcupine Tree, Animals as Leaders, Triplicity, or Mars Volta, you should review them for this.

I have all the studio records for Mars Volta. I have the majority of the entire discography for porcupine tree. I know of Animals as Leaders, I think somebody in one of my classes last year wore one of their shirts. Triplicate escapes me. I will check out the last two I mentioned. I think doing a porcupine tree discog review would be tons of fun, but time consuming. I will for sure think about it though.

Glad you are enjoying the journal so far, and thanks for all of the recs/suggestions.

The Identity Matrix · 12-03-2015, 07:24 PM

A Favor House Atlantic - (2004)

Music Video/Single by Coheed and Cambria

A Favor House Atlantic was the first official single from the bands sophomore album, In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3. Released in 2004 the song became the bands breakout hit. Considered to be the most straight forward track in their whole career, there is a reason why this song got played on the radio. It's fun, catchy, and stands on its own as a song, you could say it is about lost love or something along those lines. The song is a track involving an interaction with characters from the Amory Wars series, Claudio Kilgannon, and Al the Killer. The track isn't necessarily the greatest Coheed song ever, not even close, but it has some great values that create a good song with catchy lyrics and instrumentation, and Claudio's voice fits the track pretty nicely. I have heard some listeners say that this song is a terrible representation of the band, and they are right to a certain extent. The straight forward pop-punk/emo sound isn't something Coheed is known for, except for this specific track, but songs off all their albums exhibit these qualities. It may take a little effort, something the listeners didn't do obviously, but you can find a ton of similar tracks that may have some prog elements, but generally contain the same sound as A Favor House Atlantic.

Now for the music Video. If you noticed, anyone reading obviously noticed, there are two videos above. Both are official and were released after the single. The first video is a more cliche take on what the music video can be used for. It follows the band hanging out in a bar trying to get girls. Ok, nothing special there. There are a lot of shenanigans that include drag queens, looking up girls skirts, and getting thrown out by a guard. It's very hit or miss to be honest. I did find myself chuckling at one or two scenes but other than that it felt pretty awkward. The scenes change between the bar and an alternate version of Coheed playing on the stage, presumably in the same bar as you see some band members talking trash about their alter egos on stage. The performance on the stage actually was pretty cool to watch. It had an 80's vibe to it with the wardrobe choices for the band. Headbands, tight clothes, hairstyles all make an appearance. The track fits in nicely with the video even though it has nothing to do with the story. Overall this video would probably be liked by a casual fan of the track, but a die hard child of the fence, the band's name for their fans including myself, would probably not appreciate the overall presentation of the video.

The second video is actually involved in the Amory Wars saga but is not about the official story for the track. Instead the animated music video is actually following the characters Coheed and Cambria Kilgannon as teenagers. An animated version of the band, a real beefy version of the band, is seen playing on some asteroid. It is kinda funny how such a jacked up Claudio sings in such a high octave. The story involves multiple encounters with major characters of the story. It sets up the events for The Second Stage Turbine Blade. We see the Monstar virus, represented by the dragon fly from the cover art of the debut album, being installed into Coheed himself. The story itself is tough to follow due to the random events that seem to occur out of order. It ends with Coheed turning into some weird looking version of the Silver Surfer and flying into space to create the Keywork symbol. The symbol being used by the band as their official symbol as well as to represent the universe in the Amory Wars. The video may make more sense after I do my full story review for the Amory Wars but I don't know due to the strange out of order presentation. Overall the song doesn't necessarily fit the video and even feels strange when seeing Claudio's muscular version singing with the emo style. Quick side note, the first video uses a radio edit of the song. This cuts out a strange intro/outro that is supposed to be sinister and creepy. The second video includes the intro and outro though as it is the album version of the song.

The track gets a like from me but both video's get a meh for presentation issues and not really fitting the track very well.

Watch/listen to it yourself and give me your opinions. Like it? Dislike it? Why?

The Identity Matrix · 12-04-2015, 09:26 AM

RIP Scott Weiland

Scott Weiland was best known as the lead singer of bands Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver. He was a driving force in the alternative rock scene of the early 90's and on. One who has been successful musically, his bands combining to sell over 45 million records. He has also been awarded two Grammy awards. Scott had been battling drug and alcohol addiction for most of his life and had finally started making progress in winning that battle. According to multiple news outlets the 48 year old frontman passed away in his sleep while on tour in Hamel, MN. The cause of death is believed to be cardiac arrest.

It is always tough for someone to pass away especially when you know the person. But this year we have already lost so many wonderful people in our lives. We have all given them and their families the respect, prayers, and love they deserve. Let us make Scott's passing no different. As an avid fan of all his work and someone who felt like he grew up with one of his bands, Velvet Revolver, I am deeply saddened to have to wake up to this news. Rest in peace Scott Weiland. You will be missed by all.

The Identity Matrix · 12-04-2015, 08:23 PM

Blood Red Summer - (2004)

Music Video/Single by Coheed and Cambria

While I just reviewed what was considered to be Coheed and Cambria's most straight forward emo track, I am about to review their most straight forward pop rock track. At least at this point in their discography. Blood Red Summer is a very fun and catchy track that uses the same ironic formula heavily used on their debut. Darker/negative lyrics with an upbeat attitude. It's not like the song is about suicide or anything but you can see the negative lyrics are still there. It works again on this track, and is becoming one of my favorite tracks off of the album. It might overtake The Crowing on my list. The track itself in relation to the story is that Claudio is talking to his uncle Jesse "The Prize Fighter" Inferno, about taking on the duties of saving his universe. Pretty big stuff but all will be revealed in my story review once it is up. (Ok that is the last time I am mentioning that.) The song is a pop song that fits the radio. There really isn't much else to be said about the track. The singing and instrumentation are par for the course and the lyrics are cool. It probably is a pretty bad representation of the band overall though as we do not see as many pop rock tracks this early on in their discography.

As for the video, once again the lyrics and the video do not match up. No story elements here. What we do get is a fun little side show with Claudio setting up traps to protect him and a wooden cabin out in the middle of the woods from something. As he finishes setting up wire traps and light fixtures he sits down to eat a meal of canned noodles. Then his former bandmates begin to show up with blood red eyes looking to eat him. Its very light on any gore though. The closest thing is an arrow going straight into someones chest and them spitting out what looks to be water. Then he pulls it out and continues running. There was obviously a point where all of the members lived in the cabin as Claudio is experiencing flashbacks of his bandmates hanging around. The bandmates were probably converted to these blood red eye zombies and are coming after Claudio and ripping through the cabin's defenses. It all ends with Claudio getting converted to the blood red eye zombies and he and the other three zombies walk towards a bright light. As for the presentation aspects, Claudio's lip-syncing is pretty bad and feels awkward at times. The song sounds fine with the video and doesn't really affect the video's or the song's quality. Overall the video is fun but I still would like to see a story based video that isn't animated.

The song gets a like and the video also gets a like. Not enough here to give it a meh or dislike in the form of cons.

Listen to it yourself and give me your opinions. Like it? Dislike it? Why?