The Color Before the Sun
by Coheed and Cambria
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. Alternative Press
    Oct 12, 2015
    80
    The Color Before The Sun manages to maintain momentum for its duration, proving Coheed have shown themselves a band skilled in evading the lines of genres. [Nov 2015, p.100]
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  2. AllMusic
    Oct 16, 2015
    70
    The Color Before the Sun is not the band's best record, but it is utterly inspired and almost nakedly sincere. It will likely play well to fans, but even more importantly, perhaps attract new ones.
  3. Magnet
    Oct 14, 2015
    70
    A degree of delicacy colors album number eight. [No. 125, p.55]
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  5. Classic Rock Magazine
    Oct 12, 2015
    70
    After initial queasiness at a moment of amorousness in Eraser (‘I’m just a toy waiting for you to play me’), it quickly becomes business as usual in terms of their shamelessly enormous pop-rock music.
  6. PopMatters
    Oct 12, 2015
    70
    All in all, The Color Before the Sun doesn’t come close to matching Coheed and Cambria’s greatest achievements, but it’s a very worthwhile journey in its own right, and most fans will still find plenty to adore.
  7. Austin Chronicle
    Nov 5, 2015
    67
    Pop rock rather than space prog, The Color Before the Sun is akin to his beloved Rush's permanent wave goodbye to fantasy epics in favor of radio-friendly AOR.
  8. Boston Globe
    Oct 16, 2015
    60
    The music was recorded in a Nashville studio with few overdubs, which lends a welcome organic crunch at times. But overall, the consistency is not what it could be.
  9. Kerrang!
    Oct 12, 2015
    60
    A surprisingly concise, but still collates the quartet's strengths into a mostly satisfying whole. [10 Oct 2015, p.52]
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  10. Consequence
    Oct 13, 2015
    58
    While many of the songs on The Color Before the Sun do fall into a certain post-hardcore formula that’s used over and over again throughout the album, the journey presented therein makes the difference.

Awards & Rankings

99
#99 Most Discussed Album of 2015
2
#2 Most Shared Album of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 29
  3. Negative: 3 out of 29
  1. willmcgarty
    Oct 16, 2015
    10
    From the first track to the last, this album pushed Coheed and Cambria musically, emotionally, and creatively. For the first time, listen toFrom the first track to the last, this album pushed Coheed and Cambria musically, emotionally, and creatively. For the first time, listen to this band without the shear of speculation over Claudio's lyrics and truly see through his eyes and feel from his heart. This album demonstrates how Coheed and Cambria transcend genres and possess the ability to write and create any sound their heart desires. Coheed captured my attention over ten years ago with their release of In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth 3 and have continued to make music that's moving, intriguing, genuine, evolving, and unique. Kudos to the band for completing their 8th studio album, a feat many bands fall much short of.… Full Review »
  2. AxisXIViral
    Oct 16, 2015
    9
    Shifting away from their usual sci-fi backdrop, as well as some of their musical roots, Coheed and Cambria delivers a masterpiece once again.Shifting away from their usual sci-fi backdrop, as well as some of their musical roots, Coheed and Cambria delivers a masterpiece once again. From the soothing and ethereal vibrations of "Colors", "Ghost", and "Peace to the Mountain", to the heart-pounding post-hardcore rock anthems found in "Island", "The Audience", and "You Got Spirit, Kid", it's clear that hopping genre lines never slows this band down.

    The content of the songs this time are largely based on the personal experiences of lead singer and guitarist Claudio Sanchez, and his family. While this makes "The Color Before The Sun" feel unlike almost any other work the band has done, the result is a refreshing and very personal album that is surprisingly tight and inspiring.    … Full Review »
  3. Converge570
    Oct 16, 2015
    10
    Really pleasantly surprised at the songwriting capability outside the realm of the Amory Wars. This is a very adult journey into what it meansReally pleasantly surprised at the songwriting capability outside the realm of the Amory Wars. This is a very adult journey into what it means to age and grow. At 28, recently married and with my first child, the ideas and concepts presented in these songs truly resonate with my present state. The only thing this album is lacking for me is... the Amory Wars - but it still manages to find its own voice.… Full Review »
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