Modern prog-rock masters Coheed and Cambria made a stop Monday night at the Fiillmore in Charlotte much to the delight of their fans. The band is out touring in support of their 2018 release “Vaxis-Act1: The Unheavenly Creatures” album. The record, as most Coheed and Cambria albums, is a concept album that continues the science fiction story of The Amory Wars which wee written by front man Claudio Sanchez. A Coheed show is more than just a concert, its a sonic and visual experience for the senses and Monday’s show was no exception.
As the stage darkened, a taped intro of “Prologue” began to play and a series of flashing lights washed across the stage. Positioned in the front of the stage and off to the side was someone signing the lyrics for the hearing impaired. I thought this was a nice touch especially considering how Coheed and Cambria’s lyrics are such an integral part of The Amory Wars story. As the band launched into “The Dark Sentencer,” it was hard not to be mesmerized by what was happening right in front of me. In the middle of the stage was vocalist and guitarist Claudio Sanchez. His vocals carried across the venue in intense waves of passionate pleas as he made his stories come alive. Whipping his hair behind him, Sanchez would move from behind his mic stand to let his fingers fly across the fretboard in earnest making it clear that his technical skills are second to none. Guitarist Travis Stever is also an extremely gifted musician in his own right, playing an integral role in the band’s soundscape. The rhythm section of Zach Cooper on bass and Josh Eppard behind the kit is one of the strongest around, providing a solid backbone all night long. In fact, Eppard is one of the most animated drummers I have ever seen, holding up his sticks high in the air complete with facial expressions to match the music and mood.
The setlist was heavy with songs from “The Unheavenly Creatures” album but with a good mix of Coheed classics thrown in to satisfy their long-time fans. The lighting and visuals were changing all evening long and I made my way to the back of the venue to get a look from further away. It was an amazing night of music as the voices of fans at times overtook the band as they sang along to some of their favorites, hands in the air as they saluted the music and the energy of the night.
This wasn’t my first time seeing Coheed and Cambria and they never disappoint. Their music truly comes to life in a live setting making it a show you won’t want to miss.
Set List:
Prologue
The Dark Sentencer
Key entity Extraction V:Sentry the Defiant
Unheavenly Creatures
In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth:3
A Favor House Atlantic
The Gutter
True Ugly
No World For Tomorrow
Gravity’s Union
Mother Superior
The Suffering
Old Flames
Welcome Home
We would like to thank Kassy Cox from Cosa Nostra PR for the credentials to review the show.
