What makes Manipulator by The Fall of Troy notable?

Manipulator received widespread critical acclaim, cementing The Fall of Troy's status in the progressive rock and post-hardcore genres. The album featured prominently on various 'best of' lists for the year and helped the band gain a larger following, particularly noted for its unique approach to songwriting and musicianship that influenced many bands within the scene. Released on May 1, 2007, Manipulator marked The Fall of Troy's third studio album, following their acclaimed record Doppelgänger. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation within the post-hardcore scene, blending technical proficiency with emotive songwriting. This album also showcased a significant evolution in their sound as they embraced more complex arrangements and thematic depth.

How many songs are on Manipulator?

Manipulator has 12 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

Manipulator

The Fall of Troy · 2007

47 min · 12 tracks · progressive rock

A frenetic blend of progressive rock and post-hardcore, featuring intricate guitar work and dynamic vocal shifts.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Cut Down All the Trees and Name the Streets After Them — The opening track sets an aggressive tone with its rapid tempo changes and intricate riffs, encapsulating the album's energetic spirit while introducing thematic motifs.
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Problem!? — Clocking in at just under two minutes, this track is a burst of raw energy that exemplifies the band's ability to craft concise yet impactful musical statements.
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A Man a Plan a Canal Panama — The album's closing piece showcases complex time signatures and shifting dynamics, serving as a culmination of the band's technical prowess throughout Manipulator.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Manipulator showcases intricate compositions and dynamic vocal shifts, solidifying its place in progressive rock.

What we noticed

Vocal delivery shifts rapidly between melodic singing and aggressive shouting, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the record.
The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, providing a contrasting exhale to the frenetic energy of earlier songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Cut Down All the Trees and Name the Streets After Them 2:37
2 The Dark Trail 4:30
3 Quarter Past 4:51
4 Problem!? 1:56
5 Semi‐Fiction 4:26
6 Oh! The Casino!? 2:17
7 Sledgehammer 6:01
8 Seattlantis 4:01
9 Ex‐Creations 3:09
10 Shhh!!! If You’re Quiet, I’ll Show You a Dinosaur 2:44
11 Caught Up 2:30
12 A Man a Plan a Canal Panama 8:20

What to play next

Listen next

In the Unlikely Event

2009

Go back to

Doppelgänger

2005

Full The Fall of Troy discography Artists like The Fall of Troy

progressive rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata