The Second Stage Turbine Blade [Bonus Tracks] [ECD] by Coheed and Cambria (CD, Sep-2005, Equal Vision)

This CD is amazing.

The Debut Coheed and Cambria album, re-released with a few great extras, and a cool cover sleeve.

Track Reviews:

Second Stage Turbine Blade - An instrumental introduction, that finds its place on a few of the other albums, with a memorable piano piece laced in. Not too special, so about a 6 on the rating scale.

Time Consumer - An amazing opener. Great riff, memorable chorus, tells the story from the 2nd comic book very well. Dr. Know played the solo on this song [Bad Brains, other memorable acts]and he did a great job on it. Still one of my favourite songs. 10

Devil In Jersey City - A superb follow up track. Once again playing out the story very well, and bringing up a hard to replicate vocal, and great sound. 9

Everything Evil - A very good drum opening and guitar riff. The vocals are quite hard to understand the first time around if you don't pay attention, but a great track none the less. 9

Delirium Trigger - A very confusing song if you don't understand it, but great sounding. It was originally a song by Claudio's previous band Shabutie, and appeared on a single of the same name, and also The Penelope EP. 8.5

Hearshot Kid Disaster - Despite the opening, this is NOT screamo. A very good song, but for people who don't understand where it is coming from, it still is a pretty good listener as well. 7.5

33 - I'm not even sure how the title came to being called this, but however it did, it must have been for good reason. This track is probably one of the second best on the album, with a catchy sound, and a great chorus. 10

Junesong Provision - A great song, riff, lyrics, generally everything. Deeply rooted in the story for those who are looking for that element, with characters being named, and other tidbits like that in it. Besides that, another great listener, one that can be picked out of an unknown track list on the first word or riff after a few listens. 10

Neverender - Another story rich track, but still has a great sound, and chorus.
Pretty much all of the songs on the album can be directly traced to the story. 10

God Send Conspirator - Very story rich, with the conclusion of the comic book [That unfortunately never got past the 2nd issue :(] and another great sounding riff and chorus. A good conclusion, but lets not forget the extras! Ending with that familiar piano piece that the album opened with. 10

::Bonus Songs::

Elf Tower New Mexico - A strange title and some even stranger lyrics, but it is related to the story, and may even reveal something that couldn't be taken from the original album. [I have yet to figure it out, though.] Note: Hearshot Kid Disaster did mention something about New Mexico, yet I am still unsure why. I'll give this one about an 8.5, because I like it, but it is a strange B-side that not all Coheed fans or people that just wanted to pick up this CD because they were interested in it might like.

Junesong Provision[Acoustic Demo] - Strange opening, with something that sounds like Evil Dead or something of the sort with Bruce Campbell talking about his "boomstick". I am not sure how that related to the song, but it is amusing.
Very high vocals from Claudio, and another great sounding track, slowed down a bit, but it works. 10

Everything Evil[Unreleased Demo Version] - Pretty much the same as the one above, but without some of the sounds. It is still great, but you can tell it is a demo. Besides that, a good extra, and another good Coheed classic. 9

TSSTB: 9.5, a buy.

This album is pretty much the same with a few awesome addtions!!

First, they moved IRO-Bot to the end of the Everything Evil (Demo). I will touch on that later... The first new addition is Elf Tower New Mexico. A demo that the band did, but did not throw it on the original album. Great song, I just wish they would actually re-record it and put it out there.

Then there is the acoustic version of Junesong Provision. Great intro, definately an awesome song, but the acoustic version has a little extra something to it... can't really explain it.

Finally, we reach the Everything Evil (Demo Version). Claudio's original idea for that song, and it is pretty awesome. He added in some extra voices to it, and took out the door opening and closing at the beginning. Still a fun song, and closer to how they play it live (in my eyes).

Overall, this is a must have for all Coheed fans!

If you are looking for something to sink your teeth into, Coheed and Cambria is what you've been waiting for. The saga begins with this album...and I warn you...don't attempt to use this as just "background music." This album demands, and deserves more attention than most (I still listen while reading the lyrics sometimes). It's a hard swallow at first, but if you get past how different this band is than any other you've heard...it's addicting and poetic. There is an entire story behind the songs, and once you catch on- the songs become even more entertaining. Coheed and Cambria is catching on world-wide, with their new albun (there are 3 of them now) gaining the #1 rock album in Europe honor. It's worth the money...read no further...buy it now.

A most excellent CD. It's the first full length CD put out by the band, and in my personal opinion, is the best. It's not only amazing musically, but also lyrically. It gives the listener a wonderful introduction to the Coheed and Cambria story. It may also leave you wondering, "Why does he need mayo?" I love this CD, and it should be a part of every music lovers collection.

Great start to the epicness that is coheed and cambria. Although I much prefer their two latest albums, this album has a rough feel to it that is amazing. Claudios voice has definetly improved.