Forming the third piece of Coheed and Cambria’s concept album tetralogy, “Good Apollo I’m Burning Star IV Volume 1: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness” is over-the-top in ways the band’s previous release, 2003’s “In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3,” doesn’t come close to matching.Beginning with a new symphonic rendition of the theme music common to all previous releases, the first two tracks are light and acoustic-based, yet still convey an ominous atmosphere that holds the listener until the more energetic music kicks in with track three.
The first single, “Welcome Home,” pushes the album forward through a very energetic, heavily-layered aural assault. Many tracks would not seem out of place on a QueensrÂche album, with the highly-technical musicianship and longer-than-radio-friendly song length.
Most of “Apollo” is standard Coheed, which will leave the fans wanting more, while the progressive rock style will discourage many new listeners.
– Brian Chatman
