Customer Reviews

In the Unlikely Event

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Regardless of what reviews you read, if you are a fan of The Fall of Troy pick this album up. Since the release of Manipulator, TFoT has been changing their sound up into something more prog-rock and away from the traditional frenzy of instruments and screaming.

Honestly, it's not going to be for everyone, but The Fall of troy have never been for everyone. This is a band that grew on me from the release of Doppelganger and will continue to do so because every album is fresh. They aren't just rehashing the same concepts and marketing them under a different album, they're trying to evolve their sound and create something new.

As for the actual album, only a couple songs hold the classic TFoT sound: Straight-Jacket Keelhauled and Battleship Graveyard make the most use of high pitched wails and frantic musical accompaniments.

Other songs on the album attempt to experiment with this new sound TFoT has discovered, and for the most part the end product is great. There are a couple exceptions (A classic case of transference being the main one) but for the most part the songs are catchy, creative, and still manage to keep TFoT's edge without the manic pacing.

All things considered, "In the Unlikely Event" is a solid release from TFoT. Some will complain about the vocals (TFoT has never had standout vocals), or the mixing, or the mastering - but these are people looking for a reason to hate this album because it IS different. If you listen to this album the first time through with an open mind you will find something to love. It isn't their best release, but it still is a great album that deserves a chance.

The Fall of Troy are an interesting band, creating their first (and arguably, best) album when the members were 17 years old. The self-titled debut was everything a young band could have hoped to record, and so much more. Sure, Thomas' singing wasn't the best, but his combination of singing/screaming mixed with bassist Tim Ward's screams more than made up for it. The album was simply epic. After that, there were the Ghostship Demos (which were later re-recorded and released as Phantom on the Horizon) and amazing demos they were, including a much more raw and energetic version of Macaulay McCulkin, of Doppelganger fame. There was a bit more singing, faster riffs, and the screaming was top notch. The Ghostship Demos are now held in very high esteem by post-hardcore fans. Following Ghostship, TFOT recorded Doppelganger, which rehashed 4 songs from the self titled and made them cleaner and crisper. Doppelganger began to show a slight shift in sound, with less screaming but highly technical instrumentation; it was much more progressive than the previous releases.
Manipulator seems to be where everything started to go downhill, as the band began experimenting with slower songs and more singing. Thomas took vocal lessons before the recording of this album, but they seem to have done more harm than good. Gone are the amazing screams of the previous albums, instead replaced by odd screeching that sounds out of place with the extremely sub-par production. This album was just a mess, but it was enjoyable nonetheless.
Now we have In the Unlikely Event, which is a completely different album than any TFOT have released thus far. The album opens with a cringe-inducing wah riff, but then progresses into an almost classic sounding TFOT song. The only apparent problem being the ridiculous lyrics, which probably didn't take that long to write. What happened to the amazing songwriting? After Panic Attack, Straight Jacket Keelhauled attempts to capture some of the TFOTs former glory, and almost accomplishes this feat. How does Thomas scream the way he does on this song? I've never heard him do anything like it before. Battleship Graveyard also attempts to fool the listener into thinking they are hearing classic TFOT, with several change-ups and some nice breakdown parts. Unfortunately, Thomas can't seem to reach the high notes on this one, which sometimes makes it almost embarrassing to listen to. A Classic Case of Transference is one of my favorites on the album, surprisingly. "Get me off, then get off me" is one of the most awkward lines on the album, and the chorus reminds me of the Three's Company theme song, but the instrumentation is pretty nice. Single is simple, catchy and poppy, nothing special. Empty the Clip, The King has been Slain is another catchy, poppy song. People and Their Lives is a long one at 6 minutes and 18 seconds, and doesn't really deserve that much time on the album. This song could have been alot better if there were some screaming in it and maybe better lyrics. Nice bass work by Frank Ene, though. Dirty Pillow Talk is the most unique song on the album, with guest vocals from Rody Walker of Protest the Hero and some pretty awesome guitar work by Thomas. Overall, a good song. Nobody's Perfect is pretty straightforward throughout, until the second half when some strange instrumentation comes in and Thomas screams over it. It would have been pretty awesome if there wasn't an opera singer and more intense guitars. Webs is a good track for all you people who like poppy songs about lost love, but most TFOT fans will probably hate it. Walk of Fame is my personal favorite on the album, for some reason it just reminds me of old TFOT and the lyrics are better than anything else on this album. Awesome solo at the end, too. Nature vs. Nurture is my least favorite track on this album and just a horrible way to end it. This is definitely not The Fall of Troy's best release, but it rivals Manipulator and is, in my opinion, better at times. Lets hope the next one is a little more like the early releases, although I'm sure it won't be.

Many peoples have claimed the fall of troy lost their edge with this album, i would however like to disagree and claim they lost their edge with manipulator. This album incorporates the driving force and raw energy of doppleganger mixed with the pop that was introduced with manipulator. I personally love this album and believe it to be a brilliant follow on to phantom on the horizon. Listeners can hear and experience the growth of the band and easily hear the ideas their new bass player has brought. i love it.. yeh

So i have been following these dudes for a long while i was there for Doppleganger, and Manipulator. This album is by far the best album i have bought in the last year. It tops A Day to Remember HomeSick which is an amazing album and band. IMO the best songs on the album would be Single, Battleship Graveyard, People End their Lives, and Webs. Everything is amazing about this album if your in to A Day to Remember or Norma Jean this is the album for you.

For the record, i love this album. I want to give it 5 because it deserves it, but it wont get 5 stars from me

No. It is not a Doppelganger rip-off. No. It does not follow in the footsteps of Phantom or Manipulator. This record simply builds upon what TFOT has been doing with each record, expanding upon their technicality while deploying new pop hooks and melodies throughout. On first liten i was unsure of what to think. Manipulator was such an epic and groundbreaking record for this band that a follow up needed to be truly great to please anyone. And this album pleased me.

I LOVED Doppelganger, so when i heard Manipulator i was a bit confused. It retained some of the insanity, the grinding riffs and splintering screams, while adding a whole new level of melody. 'Cut down the trees' shredded into the amazingness of 'Dark Trail'. "Quarter Past' showed that these guys can write moving melodies as well as make you bang your head. 'Ex-Creations' and 'A Man. A Plan.' showed the intense songwriting ability and versatility.

But with Unlikely Event, not only have TFOT challenged themselves (and their listeners) they have proven themselves to be more than just a one trick pony. Each record they have produced has stayed true to their roots while introducing fans and newcomers to new ideas, new riffs, and new standards. Anyone with a true appreciation for a band that refuses to stay the same will realie after a few listens that this is the only path this band had to follow. Losing their original bassist gave them a chance to bring something else to the table. If you were a fan of Manipulator and Phantom on the Horizon, chances are, given enough time you will find all of the qualities of this band that you love, in this record. From 'Panic Attack!'s catchy-as-hell chorus to 'Nature vs Nurture's almost bluesy sway, each song moves to a different beat than the last, while keeping the momentum living throughout. Yes, his vocals are almost off-key at points. Yes, they seem to have written a song based on the Three's Company theme (everytime i hear it im humming 'come and knock on our door' in the background). I dont hear a whole lot of difference in production from Manipulator and to be honest, i think the production fits them very well.

And if anyone doubts that this band will continue to melt your face and ears every time, just go to a show. Saw them with Thursday two days after the release, and they put on the best damn show ive seen in a long time. For longtime fans, give it more than just the once-through and actually LISTEN to whats going on

Unfortunatley this album was a huge let down for me. The old sound was WAY better. To be be quite frank this album just sucks. It's understandable that a band needs to change up their sound here and there to keep things sounding fresh, but this is just.. blah... The playing ability of the band has always been awesome, but it seems like this album has fallen victim to what many other bands these days have succumbed to- trying to sound too mainstream.

What happened to the progression? Thomas Erak's voice just soundz off. His voice just soundz very whiny throughout the album. It's like he forgot how to sing and scream. The clever guitar work doesn't seem so clever anymore. I hope they can redeem themselves with their next release.

This album starts off with the track "Panic Attack!", but this entire record should have been named "Panic Attack!".
This CD sounds like the entire band is having a panic attack while they were recording.
Well, this is partially true ... if you ordered the Limited Edition (which I mistakenly did), then it comes with a USB drive containing some exclusive footage of the band. In one video, Erak explains the song "Panic Attack!", and stated that the song was inspired by the panic attack he had while he was recording this album.
So there you have it.

Let me first start off saying I'm a huge TFOT fan. I've been listening since the release of Doppelganger. There are few songs I can't stand previous to In The Unlikely Event, none that I just can't listen to. After listening to Phantom on the Horizon I was extremely stoked to hear about the new album. I was very disappointed.

I'm going to give it to you blunt - this album sucks. I understand the band is trying to explore new directions. They're not directions I like, but I can live with that. The thing I don't understand is the horrible sound of the albm. Lets start with vocals. Every album up to this increased as far as vocal quality. I really can't put my finger on why Thomas's vocals sound wrong. It seems like maybe it's off key, maybe he's trying too hard, I really can't find it. The only positive I remember about the vocals is a few new screams he does that really adds a new dimension to the songs.

The melody of most of the album is just... wrong. Funny too, because if you listen to the album in order it gets progressively worse. Panic Attack is a good song, the best on the track, followed by Straight Jacket & Battleship Graveyard, which had their moments. Then it all falls apart at Transference. I'm not kidding when I mean it falls apart. From here on out, it's not good. There's so much I can't be specific. Half of the rest of the album sounds like bad Coheed and Cambria covers.

I've heard people try to blame it on the producer, so I looked it up on Wiki (his name is Terry Date btw). He's been with Deftones, Slipknot, Korn, Pantera, Incubus, Staind, Limp Bizkit.. The guy's had a wide assortment of the rock genre and has made some good albums.

I'll end with this: I will still support TFOT and wait for their next album. However, I'd test the waters first, especially if you're a hardcore fan. I'd hate for you to do what I did: Spend $10 on 1's and 0's that are permanent marker-ed off of my hard drive.

i own all the fall of troy records released before this, and i have to say this record by far is the worst. i can't get past the WAY TOO UPFRONT vocals and lack of quality songs on this record to give it any more than 2 stars on a five star scale. at times this record makes me think it's the new release from EVANESCENCE, and not in a good way. this record was produced by Terry Date, who apparently hasn't made any ground breaking or worthwhile records according to WIKIPEDIA (why am i not surprised?). to me this record only seems to accomplish a more 'digestable' sound for the fall of troy to break onto the radio (where metal can be radio friendly too...right?). if you were looking for this record to equal the power of doppleganger or the bad-ass-ness of manipulator, you will most likely be disappointed.