Vaxis_-_Act_II:_A_Window_of_the_Waking_Mind

<i>Vaxis – Act II: A Window of the Waking Mind</i>

Vaxis – Act II: A Window of the Waking Mind

2022 studio album by Coheed and Cambria

Vaxis – Act II: A Window of the Waking Mind is the tenth studio album by American progressive rock band Coheed and Cambria. The album, like most of the studio albums from the band, is a concept album that continues the Amory Wars storyline. It was released on June 24, 2022.

Quick Facts Vaxis – Act II: A Window of the Waking Mind, Studio album by Coheed and Cambria ...

Writing and recording

Work on the album traces back to 2019; in May 2020, frontman Claudio Sanchez stated that approximately 75% of the album had been written.[1] Sanchez noted that while he had the general concept of the album's story outlined, he was struggling with some of its themes in the wake of the breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic.[1] He recounted starting a song called "Hallelujah Quarantine" in September 2019 that was themed around a criminal organization that misused voluntary quarantines to steal from people, a concept that, when written, seemed harmless, but upon the onset of COVID-19 lockdowns and controversies around them, seemed problematic or could be misconstrued.[1] The album was produced by Claudio Sanchez and Zakk Cervini.[2]

Themes and composition

The album is a concept album that furthers the story established in most of the band's prior studio albums, The Amory Wars.[3] It is the second part of a five chapter story arc, described by the band as "a couple on the run from tyrannical forces and their mysterious new addition".[3] Musically, Sanchez noted the band emphasized working without limitations and taking risks rather than "just giving the fans what they want", something he felt veteran bands sometimes fall into later into their careers.[3]

In addition to furthering the story concept, Sanchez has stated that several of the songs were inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic, during which the album was recorded.[4] In particular the songs explore the challenges of living through quarantines and lockdowns ("Comatose", "A Disappearing Act", "Love Murder One", "The Liars Club").[4] Other songs were inspired by the murder of George Floyd ("Ladders of Supremacy") and Sanchez's relationships with his son ("Blood", "Rise, Naianasha (Cut the Cord)") and wife ("Our Love").[4]

Release and promotion

The album's name, track list, and initial release date of May 27 was first announced in January 2022.[5] In April 2022, the band announced they were delaying the release a month to June 24 due to China's COVID lockdown causing supply chain disruptions, making the vinyl release impossible for the original date.[6] The album is the band's first since Vaxis – Act I: The Unheavenly Creatures in 2018, the band's longest gap of their career.[3] The album's deluxe edition features a 96-page hardcover novel "A Window of the Waking Mind" that ties into the album's concept, written by Sanchez and his wife Chondra Echert.[2] Singles "Shoulders" and "Rise, Naianasha (Cut the Cord)" were released well ahead of the album in 2021, along with accompanying music videos.[7][8] Further singles "The Liars Club" and "Comatose" were released in 2022 ahead of the album's release.[9] To promote the album, the band went on the headlining "Great Destroyer" tour with Sheer Mag prior to its release, and headlined the A Window of the Waking Mind Tour in summer 2022 alongside Alkaline Trio and Mothica.[10][11]

The Liars Club was featured on the soundtrack of NHL 23.[12]

Critical reception

More information Aggregate scores, Source ...

Vaxis – Act II: A Window of the Waking Mind was released to critical acclaim from many contemporary music critics.

Track listing

More information No., Title ...

All tracks are written by Claudio Sanchez

Personnel

Coheed and Cambria

Additional musicians

  • Christopher Jahnke – orchestral arrangements, orchestration
  • Atlas Hendrix Sanchez – guest vocals
  • Taylor Williams – programming

Technical

Artwork

  • Chase Stone

Charts

More information Chart (2022), Peak position ...

References

  1. [1]
    "Claudio Sanchez Outlines Concept of Next Coheed & Cambria Album, Vaxis II". May 12, 2020.
  2. [2]
    "Coheed and Cambria Announces New Album 'Vaxis II: A Window of the Waking Mind'". Bass Magazine - the Future of Bass.
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    "Coheed and Cambria set May release for new album 'Vaxis II: A Window of the Waking Mind'". NME. January 15, 2022.
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    "Vaxis II: A Window of the Waking Mind by Coheed and Cambria". June 24, 2022 – via music.apple.com.
  5. [5]
    "Coheed and Cambria confirm new album, Vaxis II: A Window of The…". January 14, 2022.
  6. [6]
    "Coheed and Cambria share acoustic version of "The Liars Club," delay album release date". Alternative Press. April 27, 2022.
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    "Coheed and Cambria announce new album, Vaxis II: A Window of the Waking Mind, due this May". January 14, 2022.
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    "Coheed and Cambria announce new album Vaxis II: A Window of the Waking Mind". January 14, 2022.
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    "Coheed and Cambria serve up harmonized guitar-driven new single, Comatose". May 18, 2022.
  10. [10]
    "Coheed and Cambria announce new album 'Vaxis II: A Window of the Waking Mind'". Alternative Press. January 14, 2022.
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    "Alakaline Trio Replace Dance Gavin Dance on Coheed and Cambria's Headlining Tour". Loudwire. June 9, 2022. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
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    "NHL 23 Soundtrack Playlist Reveal". EA. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
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    "Vaxis – Act II: A Window of the Waking Mind: Coheed and Cambria". Metacritic. Retrieved January 17, 2023.
  14. [14]
    "Vaxis II: A Window of the Waking Mind". AllMusic. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
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    "Coheed and Cambria: Vaxis – Act II: A Window of the Waking Mind review –rocket-fuelled pop anthems". The Guardian. December 29, 2022. Retrieved January 17, 2023.
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    "Coheed and Cambria – Vaxis II: A Window Of The Waking Mind". Retrieved June 24, 2022.
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    "The lyrics to Window of a Waking Mind are broken into 6 parts on the vinyl sleeve". Reddit. June 28, 2022. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
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    "Swisscharts.com – Coheed and Cambria – Vaxis II: A Window Of The Waking Mind". Hung Medien. Retrieved July 3, 2022.
  30. [30]
    "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 2, 2022.
  31. [31]
    "Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 2, 2022.
  32. [32]
    "Coheed and Cambria Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved July 6, 2022.
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    "Coheed and Cambria Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved July 6, 2022.
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