Although it's title is a mouthful, Good Apollo I'm Burning Star IV, Vol. 1: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness is nothing short of brilliant. On this, their third full album, rockers Coheed and Cambria deliver smart and internally cutting lyrics paired with a unique trademark sound, sometimes described as AFI meets Alvin the Chipmunk, that is recognized and loved by their fans.

Coheed and Cambria released their EP, Penelope, in 1999, followed by The Second Stage Turbine Blade in 2002. Most well-known for the hit song "A Favor House Atlantic," the band appeared on the mainstream music scene with their breakthrough album In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3. Their music is eccentric and a bit bizarre, and could never be called run-of-the-mill. The band's front man, Claudio Sanchez, in addition to sporting an afro, has a high-pitched and melodic voice distinct from anyone else. Despite chipmunk comparisons, Sanchez's voice has a considerably deeper tone, which certainly does not fail to impress on this latest release.

The record is kicked off with "Keeping the Blade," a two-minute introduction of piano and violin, sans lyrics. The second track does not rush right away into a drastic change from the first. "Always and Never" is an acoustic lullaby, combining the lyrics "Stay with me and fall asleep" with a very classic rock sound. At this point in the album, avid fans of the band may be wondering where the hard-rock sound heard on past Coheed and Cambria songs went. However, the next track does not disappoint. "Welcome Home" is the album's premiere metal sound, with its background a mix of Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir" and Metallica.

"Ten Speed" is another buoyant rock song with an '80s beat, followed by "Crossing the Frame," a song whose electric guitar riffs are distinctly Coheed and Cambria. "Apollo 1: The Writing Writer" offers a psychedelic intermission with a more computer-generated resonance that is characteristic of much of the album.

"Once Upon Your Dead Body," presents a unique beat reminiscent of "A Favor House Atlantic". Sanchez's trademark "Woah oh, oh woah" clearly shows the influence of the Beach Boys. The floating tune is followed by the album's melodic love ballad. "Wake Up" is a truly beautiful song with a sound not commonly heard in this genre of music. Sanchez's motivation for the song came from his girlfriend, making it all the more inspiring. "As to where the influence for something like that comes from," he tells Guitar World, "it was really just a case of that being the song I needed to write in order to make it to the next day."

The album's ninth track, "The Suffering" demonstrates yet again the strong influence of Sanchez's personal life with the lyrics, " Now listen well … will you marry me? / Are you well in the suffering? / You've been the most gracious of hosts / You may be invited girl, but you're not coming in." This song is one of three consecutive musical offerings that parallel each other in sound and lyrical content.

The album ends with the nearly half an hour, four-part finale entitled "The Willing Well: I-IV". With it's sporadic and ever-changing tempos, Part I: "Fuel for the Feeding End" should mollify any listeners who are itching for a change from the first eleven tracks.

"The Willing Well II: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness" continues with a sound similar to Saves The Day's "Cars and Calories". Appropriately titled, "The Willing Well IV: The Final Cut" is a tribute to Pink Floyd, further demonstrating the band's influences while still managing to remain unique and original. The very conclusion of the song fades out in a haze that suggests there is more to come.

Following a moment of silence, an unexpected additional track officially concludes the album. The song, a tribute to Led Zeppelin, is called "Bron-Y-Aur." It is a banjo-infused country bluegrass tune, with its last few seconds showcasing a barking dog.

All in all, Coheed and Cambria's fourth album is their best yet, delivering lyrical range of emotion and depth. It incorporates an endless variety of instrumentals and influences, and having already built up a large fan base, it is surely just the beginning of a promising career.

Grade: A