The Fall of Troy - Manipulator

The Fall of Troy
Manipulator
Equal Vision Records
Grade: A-

After the Fall of Troy’s amazing 2005 debut Doppelganger on EVR, expectations ran crazy ass high for a follow-up that demonstrates both the awesomeness of Doppelganger and some level of maturity. Indeed, Manipulator provides an appropriate and strong follow-up. Bringing in an increasing amount of swirling, mind-brimming guitar acrobatics and less screaming your brains out vocals, this twelve-song, forty-seven minute record satisfies so many audiences that only the retarded would be turned away. The math metal precision is matched with Mars Volta-like, not to mention Coheed, bombastity comes in spades on such standouts as “The Dark Trail,” the superb “Problem?,” hard and psych “Sledgehammer,” and closer “A Man A Plan A Canal Panama.” But also check out the bluesy opening of “Quarter Past,” the somewhat jokingly shrieking on “Shhh!!! If You’re Quiet, I’ll Show You a Dinosaur,” and pop-filled album breakdown on “Oh! The Casino?” and “Caught Up” for a terrific genre mind-fuck. Now armed with the songs of Manipulator, the Fall of Troy will be able to destroy any place from the VFW, to small clubs, to Giants Stadium. Give these guys an opening spot on a huge tour and they’re going to rip some new holes of magic.