r/coheed's Song of the Day #60: The Afterman

The title track of the double album; The Afterman totally switches up the sounds of Domino and takes Ascension on a route that keeps listeners guessing in a great way. This song is my favorite slower/ballad style song by the band. The guitar is mesmerizing, and though I'm used to it now, the first time I heard it, it blew my mind. The lyrics are so sad; and when you know the story behind them, you just might tear up. Special note on the music video, (I think)the actor who plays Domino plays who I would assume is Sirius. That video is average until the very end, where it becomes heartbreaking.

The Fiction- Back at their home, Meri Amory is struggling to write an article for her job, her mind completely absorbed by thoughts of her husband, Sirius. She cannot help but think that she was clearly not a priority in his life. After all, he chose this apparent suicide mission over the supposed love of his life, and, adding insult to injury, named his ship -- the Meriwell -- after her, as if to serve as a cheap replacement while he was gone.

Unable to concentrate, she sits at her computer and reads the news. Anything to distract her from her thoughts. But then, she sees a headline that makes her heart sink. An explosion in the sky. Falling debris identified as parts from Sirius Amory's ship. Possible system failure. No chance of survival.

Devastated, she closes herself off from the world. As reporters flood the scene and attempt to interview her about the accident, she simply ignores all of them. She cannot function under the assumption that Sirius is dead, so she decides that as long as she continues to close herself off, she cannot hear any further information about the accident and can hold on to the belief that Sirius has somehow survived. (credit to u/capncorby)

The Real- Claudio says this song is about Chondra finding out about a close friend's death via facebook. :(

The Part- Has to be the second chorus. The unexpected heaviness smacks you in the ears but never knocks you off point. It sounds like it fits, something I would never ever have said about that style of riff in a ballad style song. Brings the emotions.