Coheed & Cambria's Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star Volume II: A Review

In November of 2006, the future of Coheed and Cambria was thrown into serious jeopardy when it was announced that drummer Josh Eppard and bassist Michael Todd were officially leaving the band. With half of its members gone, it seemed that Coheed and Cambria would be just another great band cut down too soon. However, on April 25, 2007, just two days before the band was slated to hit the studio, Todd rejoined the band. With the addition of Chris Pennie (The Dillinger Escape Plan) on drums, Coheed was ready to record Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume Two: No World For Tomorrow.

Despite the fluid membership situation, No World For Tomorrow sounds like it was produced by a band at its best. Lead singer and guitarist Claudio Sanchez's songwriting ability, while sophisticated in the past, seems to have reached a whole new level and Sanchez's and Travis Stever's guitar work is stunning. Hooking riffs, shredding solos and catchy choruses make this one of 2007's best.

The album begins in classic Coheed style with the acoustic introduction, "The Reaping." The track is stripped-down, featuring beautifully picked guitar accompanying Sanchez's soothing voice. The track contrasts well with the majority of the rest of the album's tracks that feature up tempo and electric guitars, and is a solid track to highlight the band's range.

The next track, "No World For Tomorrow," doesn't waste any time differentiating itself from "The Reaping," bursting out of the gate with quick riffing and prominent bass throughout the verse. The tempo slows briefly before the band comes back full force in the chorus. Strong background vocals add atmosphere as Sanchez sings "Raise your hands high, young brothers and sisters, there's a world 's worth of work and a need for you."