The Fall Of Troy

Manipulator

[4.5/5] When Washington state prog-screamo trio the Fall Of Troy released their sophomore album Doppelgänger in 2005, it ostensibly came out of nowhere: Insane guitar runs, incredibly fluid basslines and drumming that switched time signatures and tempos about 65 times per song made the three-piece stand out from the pack. Add on an absolutely mind-blowing live show and voila! We officially have a buzz band on our hands. And with Manipulator, the band capitalize on their momentum to deliver an outstanding and remarkably diverse effort with the help of Matt Bayles (Botch, Minus The Bear). New influences range from Every Time I Die (“Problem!?”) to Weezer (“Oh, The Casino!”), but none of it sounds awkward or forced. The breakdowns are more brutal than ever-see the ending of “Cut Down All The Trees And Name The Streets After Them” for proof-and even frontman Thomas Erak’s solo number, the jazzy “Caught Up,” shines. And once you get to the epic eight-minute closer “A Man. A Plan. A Canal. Panama.”? Fuhgeddaboudit. These kids are making music bands 10 years their senior can’t even comprehend, let alone imitate. (EQUAL VISION) Scott Heisel