Vaxis II: A Window of the Waking Mind
by Coheed and Cambria
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
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  1. AllMusic
    Jun 24, 2022
    90
    Ultimately, Vaxis II: A Window of the Waking Mind is stellar; it offers fresh, wildly creative terrain for the Amory Wars saga to mine going forward.
  2. The Guardian
    Jan 3, 2023
    80
    Coheed have been heavier and more forward-thinking than on Vaxis I, but they’ve never released an album with so many tracks primed to become hits. Rarely has almost an hour of sci-fi mumbo jumbo been easier on the ear.
  3. Kerrang!
    Jun 24, 2022
    80
    You don’t have to take a crash course on two decades of complex lore to enjoy Act II, though. For all their intricate storytelling and consummate musical skills, Coheed remain surprisingly accessible.
  5. Classic Rock Magazine
    Jun 24, 2022
    70
    The good news for casual listeners, though, is that the music works as a standalone experience. [Jun 2022, p.82]
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  6. Sputnikmusic
    Jun 24, 2022
    40
    Vaxis II: A Window of The Waking Mind takes everything questionable about Vaxis I’s overall charming forays into stadium rock, castrates it of any semblance of grit, urgency or personality, and subjugates its once formidable trove of catchiness to an almost impressively bland slew of commercialised hard rock templates that, in conjunction with the record’s militantly pop production, render it a gormless caricature of everything once endearing about the band.

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 35 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 35
  3. Negative: 3 out of 35
  1. emelbee923
    Jun 29, 2022
    9
    Coheed and Cambria continue to reinvent themselves while maintaining their unique sound. Their 10th full-length album, 9th to revolve aroundCoheed and Cambria continue to reinvent themselves while maintaining their unique sound. Their 10th full-length album, 9th to revolve around The Amory Wars saga, is their most polished and bold to date. Though it may not have the intricate, sprawling sound of earlier albums which dipped into prog territory, it keeps the soaring vocals, groovy, hard-hitting drums, and strutting basslines that have defined the band for the last decade with the current lineup. This album yearns to be consumed in one sitting, and delivers a musical theatre pastiche that leaves you wanting more. Catchy hooks and chunky riffs, an intriguing sci-fi narrative injected with personal touches from frontman Claudio Sanchez. A recipe for brilliance.… Full Review »
  2. waywardlaser
    Jun 28, 2022
    9
    After several listens I've grown to love this album more and more. It's a huge improvement over Vaxis Act I, which had some killer tracks butAfter several listens I've grown to love this album more and more. It's a huge improvement over Vaxis Act I, which had some killer tracks but was also far too long for its on good. Vaxis Act II benefits from a more condensed running time and an eclectic collection of soundscapes. This has quickly become a new contender for my favourite Coheed album.… Full Review »
  3. Jmitri
    Jun 25, 2022
    8
    I get why there are those who don’t like this album. This is definitely a bit of a departure from the standard Coheed sound. But they haveI get why there are those who don’t like this album. This is definitely a bit of a departure from the standard Coheed sound. But they have always had some strong pop leanings and I have no problem with them giving this sound a whirl. The song craft is fantastic as usual. And a few of these are amazing. Shoulders, A Disappearing Act, Liars Club, and the final three songs are fantastic. I don’t love the poppy production but it’s miles better the the production on Year of the Black Rainbow. A good album from a great band. Cant wait to hear some of these songs live.… Full Review »
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