Coheed and Cambria are a strange and glorious beast. Few bands manage to combine so many worlds so seamlessly: the intensity of post-hardcore, emo’s poignant melodies, prog’s intricate structures, metal’s sense of grandeur, and punk’s raw immediacy. Add to that their sprawling conceptual albums and notoriously explosive live performances, and it’s a wonder they’re not one of the biggest bands on the planet.
At the intimate Alhambra theater in Paris’s bustling République neighborhood, anticipation buzzed through the crowd. It had been nine long years since the band last set foot on a Parisian stage, and the audience was ready. From the moment they appeared, the room erupted and didn’t let up for the rest of the night, chanting along with every chorus, jumping, dancing, and at ont point even stage-diving!
Frontman Claudio Sanchez, hidden beneath his trademark mane, is an utterly fascinating presence. His voice, unchanged in nearly a quarter century of releases, soared effortlessly through the set. A stunning highlight came with his acoustic rendition of “Corner My Confidence” from their latest album The Father of Make Believe, which hushed the entire room into reverent silence. His guitar work was equally impressive, especially during the electrifying finale “Welcome Home,” where he and guitarist Travis Stever traded fiery solos to the crowd’s delight.
The rhythm section deserves equal praise. Drummer Josh Eppard and bassist Zach Cooper struck the perfect balance between precision and power, their tight yet groovy interplay anchoring the band’s intricate, emotionally charged anthems.
It was a triumphant return for this unique band. Hopefully, Paris won’t have to wait another decade for the next chapter.
