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The Fall of Troy (band)
The Fall of Troy (band)
The Fall of Troy (band)
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The Fall of Troy is an American post-hardcore band from Mukilteo, Washington. The band is a trio consisting of Thomas Erak (guitars, vocals, keyboards), Andrew Forsman (drums, percussion), and Jon-Henry "Hendo" Batts (bass, screamed vocals). When the group started their bassist was Tim Ward, who was later replaced by Frank Ene following his departure from the band in late 2007. Ene would remain in the band until their initial breakup in 2010, but Ward rejoined the band in Ene's place for their reunion in 2013. Ward once again left the band in 2016, and was later replaced by Just Like Vinyl bassist Jon-Henry "Hendo" Batts. The trio is known for their technical and dynamic style, unorthodox song structures, energetic stage presence and also for their song "F.C.P.R.E.M.I.X." which was featured in several video games. The group has released six full-length albums, two EPs, and two singles. Prior to The Fall of Troy's formation, when each member was about 17 years old, all three founding members were in another group named The 30 Years War, who released two EPs.

Key Information

History

[edit]

The 30-Years-War (2002)

[edit]

Late in his freshman year at Kamiak High School, Erak provided vocals and guitar for the band The Tribune. The band recorded one EP but disbanded by mid-2002. Erak and classmate Mike Munro then started a four-piece hardcore band under the name The 30 Years War. The band was rounded out with drummer Andrew Forsman. The group had originally intended a much mellower sound than employed. Erak stayed on guitar and vocals, Munro moved to second guitar, and bass and drums were filled by Tim Ward and Forsman respectively. During the life of The 30 Years War, two EPs were independently released, entitled Martyrs Among the Casualties and Live at the Paradox.

Just as The 30 Years War were about to go into the studio to record again, Munro quit, stating that school commitments rendered him unable to continue playing with the band. After Munro left, the band changed its name to "The Fall of Troy" using the same method with which they had chosen their previous name: "opening a history textbook and pointing at a random location until [they] found a selection they liked".

Self-titled-debut-album (2003-2004)

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In May 2003, the trio entered The Hall of Justice in Seattle, Washington with producer Joel M. Brown to record their first full length. They were all about 17 and a half years of age, and the album was recorded in one take over their spring break in one week. The album was released on November 4, 2003 (see 2003 in music) on Lujo Records, and reissued on August 22, 2006 (see 2006 in music) by Equal Vision Records.

The trio also recorded their independently released Ghostship EP shortly after the release of the self-titled, in 2004. Early versions of the demos included keyboards by Jesse Erickson of Mukilteo, WA and had no vocals. The demos on the Ghostship EP; Part I, IV, and V, showcase the Phantom on the Horizon concept album, while "Macaulay McCulkin" is on 2005's Doppelgänger.

Doppelgänger and mainstream success (2005-2006)

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The band was invited to submit a new demo for Equal Vision, which saw the band working with Ghostship producers Gordon Edward Greenwood III and Dustin Kochel once again. The resulting two tracks were "Tom Waits" and "Laces Out, Dan". Equal Vision used these tracks as promos for the yet to be recorded album.

In March 2005, the band entered the studio to record their second album, titled Doppelgänger. It was released on August 16, 2005, in Compact Disc and vinyl format, which also had alternate artwork. The trio started touring extensively from the release of Doppelgänger through the first quarter of 2006.

"F.C.P.R.E.M.I.X." was released as the only single from the album and has led to some mainstream success. The music video was released June 6, 2006, and received massive airplay on MTV and FUSE. The song was featured in Saints Row for Xbox 360 and in MLB 2K6 for Xbox, PlayStation 2, GameCube, PSP and Xbox 360. The song is also featured in Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.

Manipulator (2006-2007)

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In mid-December 2006, the band entered the studio with producer Matt Bayles (Minus the Bear, Botch, Pearl Jam, Mastodon) to begin work on their third full-length album Manipulator. The album achieved 4 out of 5 K's in Kerrang! magazine and 7 out of 10 from Metal Hammer magazine.

Fall of Troy in 2007

The album features Nouela Johnston of the Seattle band People Eating People contributing vocal and keyboard parts to many songs. The album includes the previously written, "Seattlantis," and mostly all new material, including songs such as, "Problem!?," "Cut Down All the Trees and Name the Streets After Them," and a song with the palindromic title, "A Man. A Plan. A Canal. Panama." Before its release date the band stated that the first single from Manipulator would be "Cut Down All the Trees and Name the Streets After Them," which was also the first song released to the public on the band's MySpace. The music video for this song was released August 8, 2007, also on the band's MySpace.

To support Manipulator, the band went on tour with and opened for Deftones in the summer of 2007. Footage of this tour was used for the single, "Ex-Creations," which was released later on January 16, 2008, on MySpace as well.

Tim Ward in 2007

In late November 2007, during their tour with Coheed and Cambria, Timothy took a break from the band. It was later confirmed by the band that he had left the band due to stress. He was replaced by Frank Ene of the band "...Of Stalwart Fads".

The trio went on tour spring 2008 with Foxy Shazam, The Dear Hunter and Tera Melos.

Phantom on the Horizon (2008)

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On November 28, 2008, Phantom on the Horizon was released. The EP features all five Ghostship parts, with interludes. Erak has described the album as "one song separated by tracks." The album was played in its entirety on their West Coast and East Coast tours, followed by some "deep cuts" from the group's catalogue each night of the tour. Only 3,000 copies have been pressed (despite the misprint reverse side of the Phantom on the Horizon CD casing numbering the CD's out of a total of 3,300) and were sold online and at shows. After the 1,500 physical copies held aside for online ordering sold out on December 1, an MP3 version of the album became available online retailers such as iTunes.[1] A vinyl edition followed in 2009, with 1,000 clear copies sold through Hot Topic stores and 1,000 orange copies sold directly from the band's website.[2]

In the Unlikely Event, breakup, and new bands (2009-2013)

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On February 26, 2009, The Fall of Troy confirmed on their website and their MySpace profile that they were entering the studio that week with producer Terry Date to record the follow-up to Manipulator, which will include "a dozen or so songs" and should be in stores this summer.[3] It was revealed on April 30, 2009, that Rody Walker, lead vocalist for the progressive metal band, Protest The Hero, would make a guest appearance on the record.[4] In the Unlikely Event, their fourth studio album, was released on October 6, 2009.

On February 26, 2010, The Fall of Troy announced that they would disband after completing a spring US tour.[5]

The trio did one of their final interviews with Mario Trevizo of Lexington Music Press.[6]

Following Fall of Troy's breakup, Thomas Erak went on to form Just Like Vinyl. In January 2013, it was announced that Erak joined the post-hardcore band Chiodos.[7] Andrew Forsman replaced Erak as drummer of the local band The Monday Mornings in 2010. Tim Ward relocated to Idaho following his removal from The Fall of Troy and has been recording and releasing demos online under the monikers Messed Up Coyote, Cool Timmy, Trash Kids, Dorothey Valens, and Stranger Danger. Frank Ene formed the band Chineke in 2010 as lead guitarist and vocalist. On February 21, 2011, Thomas announced the releasing of a live video named The Fall of Troy: Live at the Glasshouse. It was filmed in Pomona, CA, on October 12, 2009.

In August 2011, Enjoy The Ride Records reissued The Fall of Troy's Doppelganger on vinyl. Only 1,500 copies were pressed, 1,000 of these featuring a black and red split coloring and sold at Hot Topic. The other 500 feature a black and red split with added "bone splatter" coloring and were sold online. In November 2011, Enjoy The Ride Records reissued 2007's Manipulator on vinyl as a double LP. Only 1,000 copies were pressed with 500 featuring a blue, pink, and orange split on LP1 and a black, white, and grey split on LP2 exclusive to Enjoy The Ride Records' website. The other 500 were once again sold at Hot Topic featuring the same colors in a spiral swirl.[8]

Reunion, OK, and Mukiltearth (2013-present)

[edit]

The original lineup of The Fall of Troy reunited for three nights in December 2013 in Austin, Texas. Each night, the band performed one of their first three albums (The Fall of Troy, Doppelgänger and Manipulator) in their entirety.[9] During the VIP reunion show, the band announced they would continue making music in 2014 by releasing an album free of charge.[10] In December 2014, Thomas Erak announced that he left Chiodos to focus on The Fall of Troy's new album and his family.[11] The Fall of Troy went on a 10th anniversary U.S. tour of their second album Doppelgänger in September and November 2015 with And So I Watch You from Afar and Kylesa as direct support for each respective leg.[12]

Although originally planning to play a solo acoustic SXSW showcase in 2015 for AudioTree, Thomas heard word that CHON was interested in playing with him as his backing band.[13] The result was an energetic performance that had to be cut short 20 minutes in because the fire marshal showed up.[14]

After two years of teases and updates, The Fall of Troy formally announced its fifth studio album and follow-up to 2009's In the Unlikely Event. The new album, titled OK, was self-released on April 20, 2016 (three weeks after its formal announcement) through the band's website for a pay what you want model in addition to a limited-edition vinyl version.[15] Coinciding with the album's announcement, the band posted the track "401k" for online streaming followed by a music video for the track "Inside Out".[16][17] The group further released OK#2, OK#3.1, and OK#3.2, all of which are alternate/instrumental versions of OK.[18][19][20]

On September 19, 2016, during a show in Minsk, Belarus, bassist Tim Ward threw his instrument down on stage and walked off during the band's first song,[21] and it was later revealed that he had left the band in the wake of this event. He was later replaced by Just Like Vinyl bassist Jon-Henry Batts, who also provides backup screaming vocals during their live performances.

In June 2018, a trailer leaked for a documentary filmed about the band's reunion tour.[22] This documentary has not yet been released. They had partnered with AudioTree to film hours of footage, but issues arose regarding release forms and lack of a video editor.[23]

In July 2020, The Fall of Troy announced a new album entitled Mukiltearth.[24] Released in August of that year, the album consists of six re-recorded tracks from Martyrs Among the Casualties (an EP released when the band was known as The 30 Years War), alongside four newly written tracks.[25] Two songs were posted to YouTube and streaming services following the announcement of the album, titled "We Are The Future" and "Chain Wallet Nike Shoes", with the latter being a re-recording from Martyrs Among the Casualties.

Musical style and influences

[edit]

The Fall of Troy is characterized by a technical, intricate style, unorthodox song-structures, and energetic live-performances. Thomas Erak's alternating guitar-riffs and rhythmic chord-work, paired with odd time-signatures set the band apart from other post-hardcore bands. They also include abrupt transitions between melody and dissonance, as well as interchanging clean vocals and screams which was often split between Erak and Ward, respectively.[26] The music has been described as "danceable", however, and the band-members have stated to pay as much attention to the groove as to complex structures.[27] The Fall of Troy has been categorized as mathcore,[28][29] , post-hardcore,[30][31] math rock,[30] progressive rock,[30] screamo,[32] hardcore punk,[33] progressive metal,[34] and grindcore.[35]

At the beginning, the main influences of The Fall of Troy were local bands from the Seattle area, including Botch, The Blood Brothers, Sunny Day Real Estate, Raft of Dead Monkeys, and Unwed Sailor, in addition to the Texan post-hardcore act At the Drive-in.[36][37] They have expressed admiration for New Jersey mathcore group The Dillinger Escape Plan as well: Andrew Forsman singled out drummer Billy Rymer as an inspiration, while Thomas Erak lauded their 1999 debut album, Calculating Infinity.[38][39] Forsman has been particularly influenced by electronic music artists such as Aphex Twin.[27][40]

Among the artists who have cited The Fall of Troy as an influence are Chon[41] and Closure in Moscow.[42]

Band members

[edit]

Timeline

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Year Album details Peak chart positions
US
[43] 		US Rock
[44] 		US Indie
[45] 		US Heat
[46]
2003 The Fall of Troy — — — —
2005 Doppelgänger — — 35 22
2007 Manipulator
  • Release date: May 1, 2007
  • Label: Equal Vision Records
 76 23 5 —
2009 In the Unlikely Event
  • Release date: October 6, 2009
  • Label: Equal Vision Records
 123 — 17 —
2016 OK[16]
  • Release date: April 20, 2016
  • Label: Self-released
 — — — —
2020 Mukiltearth
  • Release date: August 7, 2020
  • Label: Self-released
 — — —

Extended plays

[edit]
Year Album details
2004 Ghostship Demos
2008 Phantom on the Horizon
  • Release date: November 28, 2008
  • Label: Equal Vision Records

Singles

[edit]
Year Single details
2020 We are the Future
  • Release date: July 17, 2020
  • Label: Self-released
2020 Chain-Wallet, Nike-Shoes
  • Release date: July 31, 2020
  • Label: Self-released

Compilation contributions

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Videography

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Fall of Troy (band)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Fall of Troy is an American and band formed in 2002 in , by guitarist/vocalist , bassist/vocalist Tim Ward, and drummer Andrew Forsman, all of whom had previously played together in the band 30 Years War. The group gained recognition for their intricate, technically demanding sound blending elements with aggressive punk influences, characterized by Erak's multifaceted guitar work, rapid tempo shifts, and dual vocal styles. The band's discography includes their self-titled debut released in 2003 on Common Thread Recordings, the EP Ghostship Chronicles in 2004, and their major-label breakthrough in 2005 via , which featured complex compositions and earned critical acclaim for its ambition. Subsequent releases comprised the full-length Manipulator in 2007; the EP Phantom on the Horizon in 2008; and the dual EP set OK / In the Unlikely Event of a Water Landing in 2009 with temporary bassist Frank Ene, the latter marking their final original material before an initial hiatus. Ward departed in late 2007, leading to lineup changes, though Erak and Forsman remained the core duo. After disbanding in 2010 following a farewell tour, The Fall of Troy reunited in 2013 for a series of anniversary shows in , where they performed their first three albums in full across three nights with the original lineup. Ward left again in 2016, and the band has since continued as a trio with Jon-Henry Batts, releasing the re-recorded compilation Mukiltearth in 2020 and touring extensively into the mid-2020s.

History

Formation and early releases (2002–2004)

The Fall of Troy was formed in 2002 in , by high school classmates (guitar and vocals), Tim Ward (bass and vocals), and Andrew Forsman (drums). The three musicians had previously collaborated in the band 30 Years War, which released the self-produced EP Martyrs Among the Casualties that same year. The group drew early inspiration from the local Seattle-area and scenes, adopting a name pulled from a history textbook chapter on the fall of ancient . In 2003, during , the band recorded their self-titled debut album in under a week, capturing their raw energy in a single-take session before the members had fully turned 18. Released later that year on the independent label Lujo Records, the album featured intricate guitar riffs, dual vocal interplay, and chaotic rhythms that laid the foundation for their sound. The band supported the release with initial local performances around the , gradually building a following through DIY shows at venues like Seattle's Paradox Theatre. By 2004, The Fall of Troy self-released the Ghostship Demos EP, a collection of rough tracks that highlighted their evolving technical style and experimental edge.

Doppelgänger and mainstream breakthrough (2005–2006)

Following the success of their independent debut, The Fall of Troy signed with Equal Vision Records in February 2005 after submitting a new demo that garnered significant label interest. The band entered the studio shortly thereafter to record their second album, Doppelgänger, which was produced by Barrett Jones and released on August 16, 2005. The album marked a shift toward greater production polish while retaining the band's signature chaotic energy, blending post-hardcore aggression with progressive rock intricacies. Tracks like "F.C.P.R.E.M.I.X." quickly became fan favorites, with the song's inclusion as a bonus track in Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock in 2007 further boosting its visibility and introducing the band to a wider gaming audience. This exposure contributed to the album's enduring cult status within the post-hardcore scene. To promote Doppelgänger, The Fall of Troy embarked on extensive national tours, including a high-profile run supporting alongside , , and The Bled in early 2006, which helped solidify their growing fanbase across . These performances showcased the trio's technical prowess live, emphasizing rapid tempo shifts and intricate instrumentation that captivated audiences. Critically, Doppelgänger was lauded for its ambitious complexity and relentless intensity, with reviewers highlighting the band's ability to fuse precision with emotional rawness in a way that elevated them beyond typical fare. noted its blistering execution, rating it highly for capturing the group's evolution into a more refined yet explosive unit. The album's reception underscored The Fall of Troy's breakthrough, positioning them as a key player in the mid-2000s underground rock landscape.

Manipulator and Phantom on the Horizon (2006–2008)

Following the success of their previous album, The Fall of Troy released their third studio album, Manipulator, on May 1, , through . The release featured a deluxe edition with a bonus DVD containing live footage from a , enhancing its appeal to fans with visual documentation of the band's energetic presence. , the band's guitarist and vocalist, took on production duties, guiding the recording process at studios including in and Red Room Recorders in Tampa, where the emphasis was placed on intricate, experimental song structures that blended intensity with more atmospheric and dynamic shifts. This approach allowed for extended compositions and unconventional arrangements, pushing the boundaries of their sound while maintaining technical precision. Bassist Tim Ward left the band in November during their tour with due to stress from the touring schedule; he was replaced by Frank Ene. To promote Manipulator, the band embarked on extensive touring throughout 2007 and 2008, including a slot on the Vans Warped Tour that summer, where they performed on select dates alongside acts like and . Their itinerary also encompassed headlining U.S. runs, such as a spring 2008 tour with , , and , as well as international outings including a European jaunt with Daughters in September 2007 and a trip to in early 2008 followed by Canadian dates. These tours solidified their reputation for high-energy live shows, often featuring full album playthroughs that highlighted their instrumental prowess and audience engagement. In late 2008, amid continued touring, The Fall of Troy issued the concept EP Phantom on the Horizon on November 28 through , reworking and expanding their earlier Ghostship demos into a cohesive across five extended chapters. Recorded in secrecy during October 2008, the EP marked a stylistic , incorporating longer passages, atmospheric interludes, and a more ambitious scope that leaned into influences emerging in their work. This shift emphasized conceptual storytelling and sonic experimentation, with Erak describing it as a single extended composition rather than discrete tracks. Commercially, Manipulator achieved moderate success, debuting at No. 76 on the chart with approximately 10,000 copies sold in its first week, reflecting the band's growing visibility in the underground scene. While Phantom on the Horizon did not chart similarly, it garnered acclaim among progressive and listeners for its innovative structure, further cementing The Fall of Troy's status as a creative force during this period.

In the Unlikely Event, breakup, and side projects (2009–2013)

In the Unlikely Event, the band's fourth studio album, was released on October 6, 2009, through . The record featured a noticeable shift toward a more melodic and accessible sound, incorporating pop-infused hooks, cleaner vocal deliveries, and less aggressive instrumentation compared to prior works, which some critics described as a calculated move in a commercial direction. This evolution highlighted Thomas Erak's emphasis on groove-oriented choruses and emotional ballads, as seen in tracks like "Webs" and "Single," while retaining the band's signature technical guitar work. Following the album's release, the band embarked on a supporting tour amid growing internal strains, culminating in an official breakup announcement on February 26, . Guitarist and vocalist explained in the statement that the trio—Erak, drummer Andrew Forsman, and bassist Frank Ene—decided to disband after completing their spring U.S. tour, opting to "go out in style" rather than continue and risk diminishing their legacy. In later reflections, Erak cited personal exhaustion and toxic interpersonal dynamics within the group as key factors, noting that relationships had deteriorated to the point where members could barely coexist. During the ensuing hiatus from 2010 to 2013, the members pursued individual endeavors. formed the post-hardcore outfit Just Like Vinyl in spring 2010 alongside guitarist Jake Carden, releasing their debut album in 2012, which explored similar progressive elements but with a rawer, DIY aesthetic. Drummer Andrew Forsman joined local band The as their new drummer shortly after the breakup, contributing to their recordings and performances. Bassist Frank Ene began transitioning toward solo artistry, laying groundwork for later projects like his frontman role in Pure Bliss, though his immediate post-breakup work focused on personal experimentation outside the band's intense touring schedule. The breakup elicited widespread disappointment among fans, who mourned the end of the band's influential run in the scene, though some acknowledged the declining quality of recent output as a factor in the split. Discussions during this period often centered on the band's of technical innovation and genre-blending, with In the Unlikely Event viewed as a bittersweet capstone despite its mixed reception.

Reunion, OK, Mukiltearth, and ongoing activities (2013–present)

In 2013, The Fall of Troy announced a reunion of their original lineup for three special shows in , during December, where they performed their first three albums in full each night. The band confirmed plans to continue activities beyond these performances, marking the start of their revival after a period of inactivity. The group fully reactivated in 2016 with the release of their fifth studio album, OK, initially self-released digitally for free via their website as a hybrid of EP and full-length material. Physical editions followed through Big Scary Monsters, emphasizing the band's return to their experimental roots with tracks like "401K" and "Inside/Out." This comeback solidified their ongoing presence, leading to increased touring and recording. In 2020, The Fall of Troy self-released Mukiltearth, their sixth studio album, which features a raw, demo-like production style captured over sessions from 2016 to 2019. The record includes songs such as "A Tribute to Orville Wilcox," drawing from unfinished material and showcasing the trio's unpolished intensity. Distributed directly through their page and limited physical runs via Big Scary Monsters, it highlighted their shift toward independent operations. Following Mukiltearth, the band resumed live performances with limited U.S. tours in 2021 and 2022, navigating pandemic restrictions through smaller venues and regional dates alongside acts like and . These outings rebuilt their connection with fans amid global challenges. By 2025, The Fall of Troy conducted a U.S. tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of , commencing on May 1 in and featuring full album performances with support from on all dates and Closure in Moscow on select stops. In conjunction with the tour, the band released a limited 20th anniversary vinyl edition of on April 30, 2025, pressed to 1,500 units on orange cloud vinyl. In April announcements tied to the tour, the band teased their seventh studio album, signaling continued creative output. Currently, The Fall of Troy operates independently without a major label, relying on a fan-funded model through direct sales on and merchandise partnerships to support releases and tours. This approach allows full artistic control, as seen in their self-managed digital distributions and limited-edition vinyl pressings.

Musical style and influences

Core elements and evolution

The Fall of Troy's core musical elements are rooted in and traditions, featuring intricate compositions driven by complex time signatures, frequent tempo shifts, and odd meters that create a disorienting yet propulsive energy. The band's signature dual interplay between Thomas Erak's blistering guitar work and Tim Ward's agile bass lines forms a dense, interlocking foundation, often layered with atmospheric builds that escalate from sparse tension to explosive climaxes. Erak's vocals further define this intensity, alternating between high-pitched, melodic clean singing and raw, high-register screams that convey emotional urgency without overpowering the instrumentation. These elements emerged in the band's early work as a raw, chaotic expression of aggression, evident in their 2003 self-titled debut, which prioritized unpolished energy and abrupt transitions over refinement. Following their 2005 signing to , the sound expanded into territory with Doppelgänger, incorporating more melodic structures, blazing guitar solos, and conceptual cohesion while retaining technical virtuosity. This evolution continued through Manipulator (2007) and the cinematic concept EP Phantom on the Horizon (2008), where songs blended prog-rock expansiveness with pop-inflected hooks and multi-part suites, shifting from visceral rawness to layered, narrative-driven arrangements. In the post-reunion era, the band's style has circled back toward its foundational intensity while embracing a more mature, atmospheric palette, as heard in self-released efforts like (2016) and Mukiltearth (2020). As of 2025, the band announced plans for a new studio album, continuing their evolution. Production reflects this trajectory: initial DIY ethos on independent labels gave way to polished production on indie labels like Equal Vision during the mid-2000s, only to revert to a raw, intimate quality in the through direct-to-fan releases that emphasize organic grit over studio gloss. Throughout, the trio's commitment to unorthodox structures and dynamic contrasts has sustained their technical prowess, evolving from frenetic to reflective complexity without diluting their core ferocity.

Key influences

The Fall of Troy's sound was profoundly shaped by the and punk scenes of the early 2000s, particularly the chaotic energy and dynamic shifts of , which influenced their high-intensity performances and genre-blending approach. Band members have also cited for their aggressive punk ethos and for intricate, melodic guitar work, contributing to the group's rhythmic complexity and emotional delivery. Emerging from the Seattle area, the band drew heavily from the local post-hardcore scene, including technical innovators like Botch, whose math-infused aggression informed The Fall of Troy's early instrumental experimentation and tight-knit trio dynamics. This regional influence extended to the broader rock revival in the mid-2000s, where studios like the Hall of Justice—historically linked to pioneers—provided a creative backdrop for their recordings, fostering a blend of raw energy and progressive ambition. Guitarist and vocalist has highlighted classic rock and progressive roots as key to his songwriting, naming Jimi Hendrix's Band of Gypsies for its improvisational fire, Yes for expansive prog structures, and acts like Led Zeppelin, , Nirvana, , and for melodic hooks and pop sensibilities. These elements manifested in the band's evolution toward more structured yet ambitious compositions, as seen in albums like Manipulator (2007), where prog-rock generalizations underscore their shift from pure chaos to layered narratives.

Band members

Current lineup

As of 2025, The Fall of Troy operates as a trio featuring founding member on lead vocals and guitar, alongside drummer Forsman, also a founding member since the band's inception in 2002. and unclean vocalist Jon-Henry "Hendo" Batts, who previously served as the band's merch manager and played bass in Erak's Just Like Vinyl during the hiatus, joined as a touring member in 2016 following the departure of prior bassist Tim Ward and has been a full-time contributor to recordings and live performances since around 2019. This configuration supported the band's 20th anniversary tour for Doppelgänger in 2025, as well as ongoing work on a new studio album.

Former members and contributions

The Fall of Troy's lineup has seen changes primarily on bass, with two key former members contributing to the band's sound during distinct eras. Tim Ward served as the original bassist and co-lead vocalist from the band's formation in 2002 until his departure in late 2007, playing a foundational role in their early post-hardcore and mathcore style. His dual vocal interplay with Thomas Erak defined the dynamic, layered harmonies on debut releases such as the self-titled EP (2003) and Doppelgänger (2005), where his bass lines provided rhythmic complexity and drive amid the band's intricate guitar work and tempo shifts. Ward rejoined for the 2013 reunion shows, contributing to the album OK (2016), but left again in 2016 during a European tour amid reported onstage tensions, after which the band continued without him. Frank Ene replaced Ward on bass and backing vocals from 2007 to 2010, bridging the band's transition into a more mature phase following their mainstream breakthrough. His tenure aligned with the recording and touring of Manipulator (2007) and In the Unlikely Event of a Water Landing (2009), where he bolstered the group's heavier, more aggressive edge with solid low-end support and occasional vocal contributions that maintained the post-hardcore intensity. Ene's involvement helped stabilize the rhythm section during intensive touring, including the 2007 Warped Tour, amid the band's growing pressures that ultimately led to their 2010 breakup. Post-departure, both members pursued paths that echoed their time in The Fall of Troy while exploring new directions. Ward's exits were attributed to touring stress, influencing his shift away from high-profile band commitments, though he briefly returned to during the reunion period. Ene, drawing from his experience as a , transitioned to fronting the experimental project Pure Bliss and released the solo album No Longer in , which reflected a darker, more introspective evolution from the band's chaotic energy. Their contributions remain integral to the band's legacy, with Ward's early work anchoring the melodic experimentation of 2002–2005 and Ene's era solidifying the raw power of 2007–2009.

Discography

Studio albums

The Fall of Troy's studio discography spans six full-length albums, beginning with their independent debut and progressing through major-label releases on before returning to self-released efforts following their reunion. These albums showcase the band's evolution from raw roots to more experimental and progressive compositions, often characterized by intricate guitar work, alternating vocal styles, and dynamic structures. Their self-titled debut album, The Fall of Troy, was released on November 4, 2003, via Lujo Records as an independent effort, featuring 10 tracks that established the band's early sound blending intensity with precision. The album was reissued in 2004 by , broadening its reach within the underground scene. Doppelgänger, the band's second studio and Equal Vision debut, arrived on August 16, 2005, with 11 tracks highlighting Thomas Erak's multifaceted guitar riffs, dual clean and screamed vocals, and chaotic yet cohesive arrangements that propelled their mainstream breakthrough. Produced by Erak alongside the band, it captured their live energy while refining their technical prowess. The third , Manipulator, released on May 1, 2007, through , marked an experimental peak with its dual-disc format—12 tracks on the primary audio disc plus a DVD of live and studio footage—exploring extended progressive structures and atmospheric shifts. It debuted at number 76 on the , selling approximately 10,000 copies in its first week. The band's fourth studio release, In the Unlikely Event, came out on October 6, 2009, via as their final pre-hiatus effort, comprising 12 tracks that balanced high-energy aggression with melodic introspection amid lineup tensions. Produced by , it peaked at number 123 on the 200. Following their 2013 reunion, emerged on April 20, 2016, as an independent release available directly through the band's website, featuring eight concise tracks that earned critical praise for recapturing the raw, form-defying intensity of their early work while incorporating matured production. Self-produced by Erak, the album was released in multiple versions, including OK#2 (a raw mix on September 25, 2016) and OK#3.2 (an instrumental version on July 15, 2016). The album's brevity and directness were lauded for revitalizing the band's signature chaos. The most recent studio album, Mukiltearth, was self-released on August 7, 2020, via the band's Bandcamp page, consisting of 10 tracks with a raw, unpolished production that revisits and reimagines material from their pre-band project roots. Recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic, it emphasizes lo-fi aesthetics and emotional directness in its 40-minute runtime.

Extended plays and singles

The Fall of Troy's extended plays primarily consist of early demo recordings and a conceptual release that expanded on their initial song ideas. Their first EP, recorded under the band's original name The Thirty Years War, was a self-released four-track demo in 2002 featuring raw prototypes of songs that would later evolve in their discography. Titled The 30 Year War, it included tracks such as "Chain Wallet, Nike Shoes," "Chrysanthemum," "Mirrors Are More Fun Than Television," and "Reassurance Rests in the Sea," capturing the group's nascent post-hardcore sound during their formation in Mukilteo, Washington. In 2004, the band—now established as The Fall of Troy—released Ghostship Demos, another self-released EP comprising four tracks that served as early versions of a conceptual later completed in full. The EP featured "Ghostship Part I," "Ghostship Part IV," "Ghostship Part V," and "Macaulay McCulkin," clocking in at approximately 25 minutes and showcasing their intricate influences through demo-quality production. These recordings were leaked online during the band's work on subsequent material and highlighted their experimental approach to progressive structures. The band's most polished EP, Phantom on the Horizon, arrived in 2008 via , fulfilling the Ghostship storyline with five tracks totaling 37 minutes. Released on November 28, it included "Chapter I: Introverting Dimensions," "Chapter II: A Strange Conversation," "Chapter III: Nostalgic Mannerism," "Chapter IV: The Phantom," and "Chapter V: Exit the Tides," blending intensity with orchestral elements. Initially available on and digital formats, it received a limited vinyl reissue in 2020 (clear and orange mixed with black splatter, limited to 500 copies) to coincide with the band's reunion activities. Guitarist described it as "one song separated by tracks," emphasizing its cohesive narrative. Regarding singles, The Fall of Troy issued few standalone releases, focusing instead on album tracks, though select promos and digital drops marked key periods. "F.C.P.R.E.M.I.X.," from their album , was released as a promotional single in 2006 by , gaining traction through airplay and inclusion in III: Legends of Rock, which boosted the band's visibility on charts. The track, a 3:57 high-energy standout, appeared in digital and promo formats but did not chart commercially. Post-reunion in 2019, the band leaned into digital singles tied to their comeback album Mukiltearth. "We Are the Future" dropped on July 17, 2020, as a self-released digital single, running 4:05 and previewing re-recorded early material with themes of societal critique; it garnered minor plays on indie playlists without major charting. Similarly, "Chain Wallet, Nike Shoes" followed on July 31, 2020, as a 5:00 self-released digital single, reworking their demo into a polished track that emphasized the band's origins. Both were later integrated into Mukiltearth but functioned as standalone teasers during tour promotions, available on platforms like and in digital format only. No significant post-2020 EPs emerged, though vinyl reissues of earlier works supported ongoing live activities.
ReleaseTypeDateLabelFormatKey Tracks
The 30 Year WarEP (demo)2002Self-releasedCassette/Digital (unofficial)"Chain Wallet, Nike Shoes," ""
Ghostship DemosEP2004Self-releasedDigital/"Ghostship Part I," "Ghostship Part IV"
Phantom on the HorizonEPNovember 28, 2008CD, Digital, Vinyl (2020 reissue)"Chapter I: Introverting Dimensions," "Chapter V: Exit the Tides"
"F.C.P.R.E.M.I.X."Single (promo)2006Digital/Promo CDN/A (standalone)
"We Are the Future"SingleJuly 17, 2020Self-releasedDigitalN/A (standalone)
"Chain Wallet, Nike Shoes"SingleJuly 31, 2020Self-releasedDigitalN/A (standalone)

Compilation and other appearances

In 2007, the same song appeared on the soundtrack for the popular video game Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, which helped elevate the band's profile beyond the scene and introduced their music to gamers and mainstream rock enthusiasts. Post-2013, frontman made several guest appearances on other artists' tracks, including guitar and vocals on ' 2014 album Devils and a collaborative performance with CHON at the 2015 Showcase, reflecting his continued influence in the progressive community. Overall, the band has around 10 such compilation and collaborative appearances, with the majority occurring between 2005 and 2009 when their technical style garnered attention in shared punk and alternative platforms.

Live performances and videography

Notable tours

The Fall of Troy's early touring efforts from 2003 to 2004 consisted of regional performances across the United States, primarily in the Pacific Northwest, where they shared stages with other indie and post-hardcore acts to build a grassroots following. The band played just two shows in 2003 and five in 2004, focusing on local venues in Washington state and nearby areas as they promoted their self-titled debut album. A significant milestone came in 2007 with the band's participation in the Vans Warped Tour, marking their breakout to a national audience amid the summer festival circuit. They performed on multiple dates, including July 18 in and August 4 at in , alongside acts like and Pennywise, which amplified their visibility in the scene. In 2008, following the release of Manipulator, the band embarked on extensive U.S. runs to support the album, including a spring tour with , , and , as well as additional dates with The Number Twelve Looks Like You and . These domestic outings were complemented by international expansions into , capitalizing on the album's global distribution, including a Japanese edition via Howling Bull Records. The band's reunion period from 2019 to 2022 saw a resurgence in live activity, with eight shows in 2019—including a fall East Coast run—and increased festival bookings in subsequent years despite external challenges. Touring was heavily impacted by the , resulting in zero shows in 2020 and the cancellation or postponement of planned dates into 2021, though they managed 19 performances that year as restrictions eased. In 2025, The Fall of Troy launched the "20 Years of " anniversary tour, headlining U.S. dates from May 1 in to June 28 in , with support from on all stops and Closure in Moscow joining select shows; the run featured full performances of the 2005 album alongside other material. An Australian leg kicked off in February with Closure in Moscow and , extending their international presence for the milestone celebration.

Music videos and live releases

The Fall of Troy has produced several official music videos, primarily promoting singles from their albums between 2005 and 2009, with a total of approximately eight such releases available on their official YouTube channel. These videos often feature abstract or performance-based visuals aligned with the band's progressive post-hardcore style, and they have been distributed through digital platforms like YouTube since the late 2000s. Key examples include the video for "F.C.P.R.E.M.I.X." from the 2005 album Doppelgänger, uploaded officially in 2009 and garnering over 9.6 million views as of November 2025, which showcases the band's intricate guitar work in a minimalist setting. Similarly, "Mouths Like Sidewinder Missiles" and "Act One, Scene One," also from Doppelgänger, were released as official videos emphasizing live-like energy and thematic imagery. From the 2007 album Manipulator, the video for "Ex-Creations" depicts surreal, narrative-driven scenes and has accumulated 1.2 million views. Other notable videos from this period include "Caught Up" and "We Are the Future," both from Manipulator, highlighting the band's evolving visual aesthetic during their active touring phase. Later releases, such as "Inside Out" in 2016 from OK, continued this tradition with performance footage. In terms of live releases, the band issued Manipulator Live, a DVD featuring a full recording from their 2007 tour supporting the Manipulator album, released in 2008 by . This visual document captures the trio's high-energy stage presence and technical prowess across the album's tracks. Following their 2019 reunion, digital live sets from shows, including full performances at venues like 1720 in on December 12, 2019, have been made available online, providing fans with high-quality recordings of reunion-era sets. These materials are primarily accessible via streaming platforms, extending the band's visual archive into the digital era.

References

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