Progressive rock veterans Coheed and Cambria have returned with their eleventh studio album, Vaxis – Act III: The Father of Make Believe, released on March 10, 2025. Continuing their ambitious Vaxis series, the album offers a new chapter in the band’s ongoing sci-fi narrative, The Amory Wars, while also weaving in deeply personal themes. As always, the band delivers intricate storytelling paired with their signature blend of progressive rock, post-hardcore, and alternative metal, solidifying their place as one of the most unique acts in modern rock.
A Balance of Storytelling and Personal Reflection
The Father of Make Believe is the third installment in the Vaxis series, following Vaxis – Act I: The Unheavenly Creatures (2018) and Vaxis – Act II: A Window of the Waking Mind (2022). Frontman Claudio Sanchez, known for his ability to craft grandiose narratives, takes a different approach this time by blending the ongoing Amory Wars storyline with autobiographical elements, offering a more intimate yet expansive experience.
The album opens with Yesterday’s Lost, a delicate piano and acoustic piece that sets a contemplative tone before launching into Goodbye, Sunshine, a track that, according to When the Horn Blows, is “a powerful blend of pop-punk energy and progressive rock intricacy.” The album continues with Searching for Tomorrow, featuring soaring guitar solos from Travis Stever and dynamic percussion from Josh Eppard. The title track, The Father of Make Believe, is an emotional centerpiece that captures Sanchez’s internal conflict as both an artist and a family man, seamlessly integrating real-life struggles with his ever-expanding sci-fi world.
Critical Reception: A Strong Yet Evolving Sound
The album has been well received by critics, earning a Metacritic score of 81 and receiving praise for its balance of progressive experimentation and accessibility. According to The Soundboard Reviews, while the record remains deeply rooted in Coheed’s signature style, it also takes risks, incorporating elements of nu-metal, orchestral compositions, and even theatrical rock opera influences.
New Noise Magazine lauds the album for “breathing new life into old ideas” and blending classic Coheed elements with fresh approaches. The review highlights tracks like Play the Poet, which leans into a heavier, almost nu-metal-inspired sound, and Meri of Merci, an emotional piano ballad that revisits key figures in The Amory Wars mythology. Meanwhile, Blind Side Sonny has been described by When the Horn Blows as “a thrash-adjacent metal ripper” featuring some of Sanchez’s most intense vocal performances to date.
However, not all reactions have been universally glowing. Some critics, including The Soundboard Reviews, have pointed out that certain tracks, such as Someone Who Can, lean too far into synth-driven sci-fi cheesiness. Others have noted that while the album introduces new sonic textures, some of its themes feel familiar within Coheed’s vast discography.
A Deluxe Experience for Fans
In addition to the standard album release, Coheed and Cambria have offered an elaborate Limited Edition Deluxe Box Set for dedicated fans. This set includes an illustrated novella that expands on the album’s storyline, a fully wearable “Neuro-Dynamic Display Goggles” replica, exclusive artwork, and a signed death certificate of a key Amory Wars character. These immersive elements reinforce Coheed’s reputation for crafting albums that go beyond music, transforming into fully realized multimedia experiences.
A Worthy Addition to Coheed’s Legacy
Vaxis – Act III: The Father of Make Believe is another testament to Coheed and Cambria’s ability to innovate while staying true to their narrative and musical roots. For longtime fans, the album offers a satisfying continuation of the Vaxis saga, while newer listeners will find an accessible entry point into the band’s expansive universe. Whether through its intricate storytelling, powerful instrumentation, or theatrical presentation, this album reaffirms why Coheed and Cambria remain one of the most compelling bands in progressive rock today.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and editorial purposes only. All album details, reviews, and quotes are sourced from publicly available materials, including official releases, music publications, and critics’ reviews. Any quoted opinions are attributed to their respective sources. The Father of Make Believe and related imagery are copyrighted by Coheed and Cambria and their respective rights holders. This article operates under fair use for commentary, criticism, and news reporting.
