Their Collection: Coheed And Cambria

      Coheed and Cambria exemplify the most progressive side of rock, blending powerful riffs, imaginative synths, and themes reminiscent of the science fiction genre in their intricate conceptual work.

      Their new album, ‘The Father Of Make Believe’, has been released and marks the third installment in their Vaxis series. The band consistently stretches boundaries, having established a distinctive creative space. This latest record, infused with new ideas and stylistic tendencies, will be showcased during their headline performance at the 2000Trees festival later this year.

      Claudio Sanchez serves as the band's lyricist and an exceptional creative force, balancing his musical endeavors with leading the Amory Wars, a captivating series of graphic novels.

      These graphic novels intertwine with the themes present in the band’s music, mirroring each other; a dual strand of audio-visual artistry that fans can explore at their own pace.

      CLASH had a conversation with Claudio Sanchez about his literary influences, particularly his comic book inspirations.

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      What is your favorite graphic novel and why?

      The Watchmen – no other book matches its pacing. It's incredibly cinematic, from the dialogue choices to the small inserts between issues. The concept is outstanding, and the book is highly immersive – overall, a remarkable piece of literature.

      Which other comic creators do you admire?

      Alan Moore, Frank Miller, Jeff Loeb…

      What attracts you to specific books or series?

      Typically, like many others, I’m drawn in by the artwork. While I do gravitate towards certain writers and narratives, the art is what initially captivates me.

      Have you ever come across a true lost classic? What is it and why?

      Yes, Krull. I found it when I was young, and it sparked my imagination, influencing a lot of the art I've created throughout my life.

      What inspired you to begin the Amory Wars?

      My insecurities prompted me to write the Amory Wars. I could conceal my personal stories within fiction. The comic format came about serendipitously... I wandered into a comic shop in NYC as I was starting to develop the band, and it reignited my love for the medium, leading to this project.

      Which comes first, the song or the graphic novel? Or have you managed to intertwine these elements effectively?

      Usually, the songs come first, as they draw from my personal experiences, and I then integrate them into the overarching story.

      What is the greatest challenge in developing this series?

      Maintaining continuity among the events and characters is crucial. Everything is rooted in a specific time, and life can sometimes lead to forgetting those pivotal moments.

      Who or which titles inspire you during your writing process?

      Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five and Breakfast of Champions have been significant influences. There are many others that have inspired me over the years, but Kurt’s work resonates the most widely.

      Have you ever related to a character in a book? If so, which one and why?

      The character of Kilgore Trout, as an extension of Vonnegut, who appears in many of his works, inspired me to include characters in my books that are somewhat reflective of myself...

      Is there an author or poet you’d want to collaborate with?

      Kevin J Anderson… more details to come!

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      Coheed and Cambria’s album ‘The Father Of Make Believe’ is now available. The band will headline the 2000Trees Festival this summer.

      Photo Credit: Jimmy Fontaine

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