What does Vaxis – Act II: A Window of the Waking Mind sound like?

A kaleidoscopic blend of intricate melodies and heavy riffs that weave narratives of love, loss, and self-discovery. Rooted in alternative rock and progressive metal. Start with "The Embers of Fire".

Is Vaxis – Act II: A Window of the Waking Mind a good place to start with Coheed and Cambria?

Yes, Vaxis – Act II: A Window of the Waking Mind is recommended as a starting point for new Coheed and Cambria listeners. A kaleidoscopic blend of intricate melodies and heavy riffs that weave narratives of love, loss, and self-discovery. Released in 2022, Vaxis – Act II: A Window of the Waking Mind is Coheed and Cambria's ninth studio album, following the 2018 release of Vaxis – Act I: The Unheavenly Creatures. This album continues the band's ambitious narrative framework while showcasing their evolution in sound and thematic depth during a time when they were reestablishing their connection with fans after a brief hiatus.

Who is Vaxis – Act II: A Window of the Waking Mind for?

Vaxis – Act II: A Window of the Waking Mind works well if you're into wave-like pacing with climactic moments, thought-provoking themes for deep reflection and immersive storytelling through cohesive tracks.

How many songs are on Vaxis – Act II: A Window of the Waking Mind?

Vaxis – Act II: A Window of the Waking Mind has 13 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Vaxis – Act II: A Window of the Waking Mind

Coheed and Cambria · 2022

53 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of intricate melodies and heavy riffs that weave narratives of love, loss, and self-discovery.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Embers of Fire Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Shoulders — This track embodies the album's thematic exploration of vulnerability and resilience, featuring soaring melodies and introspective lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners.
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Love Murder One — Rich in narrative detail, this song serves as a pivotal moment in the album's storyline, blending aggressive instrumentation with hauntingly beautiful choruses.
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Rise, Naianasha (Cut the Cord) — With its epic build-up and emotional climax, this track encapsulates the overarching themes of breaking free from constraints and finding one's true self.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong musicality and narrative depth, though it may not reach the heights of their earlier work.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of dynamic shifts, with many tracks alternating between soft, melodic verses and heavy, riff-driven choruses.
Several tracks incorporate intricate guitar solos that extend beyond traditional song structures, creating a sense of exploration within the music.
The narrative elements are woven throughout the lyrics, with recurring themes and motifs that connect multiple songs, enhancing the storytelling aspect.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like pacing with climactic moments
thought-provoking themes for deep reflection
immersive storytelling through cohesive tracks
dynamic shifts that invite engagement

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek straightforward, single-focused songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Solid entry with complex themes, but not widely recognized as a standout in their catalog.
Themes: self-identity exploration· narrative-driven storytelling· liberation themes
Career context: Released in 2022, Vaxis – Act II: A Window of the Waking Mind is Coheed and Cambria's ninth studio album, following the 2018 release of Vaxis – Act I: The Unheavenly Creatures. This album continues the band's ambitious narrative framework while showcasing their evolution in sound and thematic depth during a time when they were reestablishing their connection with fans after a brief hiatus.
Stylistic neighbors: The Dear Hunter· Between the Buried and Me· Glassjaw