MANIPULATOR

To date, this is probably the band's most polished release along with Phantom on the Horizon. Although unlike the EP released a year later, this probably still has a rawer, "punchier" sound overall. Actually, to be honest, this is kind of a mix between the post-hardcore beating of Doppelganger and the sonic assault of Phantom on the Horizon. Although like most of TFoT's work, I find this to be highly enjoyable, not to mention very addictive for my tastes.

While the highly technical playing of the band returns, there is a more mature approach to the songwriting as I previously mentioned. The band actually does go mid-tempo much more often than they normally do and they incorporate more sound effects into the music, as well as a bit more in the singing department. Although guitarist and vocalist Thomas Erak's voice is still incredibly high-energy and he still has some mind-blowing chops. I've said before that I'm always amazed by the musical abilities of a band playing this type of music, and Manipulator is no exception.

This is probably the best place for most prog fans to start who are interested in the band (or Phantom on the Horizon, but you'll have to download a copy since physical ones either don't exist or are extremely expensive), at least those who have more traditional tastes in prog. Although as good as this album is, Doppelganger fits my tastes a little better, but I can still give this 4 stars. TFoT's new album is currently slated for a fall release later this year, and I hope it's up to par or surpasses the work present on this album.

Sometimes you decide to hear a band simply because you liked the cover of the CD or something like that. In this case I knew nothing about the band when I decided to give this one a shot. I like the name: The Fall Of Troy. Nice, isn´t it? Heavy prog, they say. It sounded ok to me, thinking of the heavy prog bands of the 70´s as maybe the main reference. Besides I saw the high ratings here on PA. Unfortunately when I put it on it was nothing that I expected. It caught me completely off guard. And its low rating is related to my taste only, not their musicianship, nor their prowess in doing what they like.

In its broad concept you can call this album progressive. It certainly has some unusual song structures and all, but I really don´t like it. it´s simply too technical and freakish for my liking. Lots of heavy guitars, tempo changes and screaming vocals. Sometimes they even deliver a more ´song´ oriented parts, like on the beginning of Quarter Past, quite bluesy. But I can´t stand the vocal style: sometimes high pitched, sometimes growling like in a death metal band. You can see this trio has the chops, the production is excellent and is awesome how they do not to get lost in all this frenzy. But the style is clearly not for the ones who loves symphonic prog or even ´traditional´ heavy prog like I do.

Definitely for the ones who enjoy something hardcore. I´ll pass this one up.