The Fall of Troy earns a sensational sendoff

In February, The Fall of Troy announced that their spring tour would end the band's eight year run. In response, music lovers of all shapes, genders, sizes and fashions flocked to Mohawk Place in Buffalo on Wednesday to give the group a truly memorable send off.

The band repaid the favor by giving the crowd one of the best shows to pass through the 716 in quite some time.

After the opening acts had finished, the crowd stood shoulder to shoulder, heavy with anticipation, waiting for what everyone knew would be the last time they would see The Fall of Troy.

When the band finally took to the stage and strummed the first chord to "Mouths Like Sidewinder Missiles," the crowd erupted into a moshing frenzy that didn't end until the final note of the set.

From start to finish, the boys of The Fall of Troy gave an energetic set that translated directly to the fans. Not to mention they sounded just as good, if not better, than they do on the album.

Switching masterfully between his harsh screams and smooth vocals, front man Thomas Erak sang the lyrics with a level of passion and energy unmatched by any other lead singer that night.

Even more impressive than the vocals were the polyrhythmic instrumentals that the band has become synonymous with over the years. The incredibly fast-paced guitar riffs and drumbeats eliminated any hope of a quick respite from the restless sea of fans that threatened to drown some of the smaller attendees.

Further adding to the high energy generated that night were the times when Erak utilized his guitar to show off his tapping skills with some impressive solos.

Almost immediately after The Fall of Troy's departure from the stage, chants of "one more song" began to radiate throughout the crowd. It wasn't long before they returned to the stage with a full force encore.

As soon as the first note rang out, the crowd knew they were in for something special. Despite the fatigue the fans had to be feeling, "F.C.P.R.E.M.I.X." managed to be the most memorable and rowdy song of the night. The Fall of Troy's final Buffalo performance was one that won't be forgotten.

Before The Fall of Troy graced the stage with their presence, the crowd was treated to a set by Envy on the Coast, a band hailing from Long Island. Surprisingly enough, lead singer Ryan Hunter's newly formed dreads weren't the most impressive part of their set.

Envy gave the show all it had. The band played songs from both Lucy Gray and their latest heavier release, Lowcountry. Some of the songs played during Envy's set included "Sugar Skulls," "Death March On Two, Ready?" the ever catchy "Head First In The River," and an amazing cover of the infamous "House of the Rising Sun."

Despite the intense performances given by every member of the band, only a select few in the crowd chose to participate in the fun. Envy deserved more than they got.

Starting off the night was Twin Atlantic, all the way from Scotland. The band put on a solid performance showcasing several songs from its first full-length album, Vivarium, which at the moment still remains a secret within the music community.

"I have no idea if anyone's even heard it," Ross McNae, Twin Atlantic's bassist said.

However, those who have heard it have had little to no complaint.

"It seems to be pretty much positive, and all the crowds we've played to have seemed to really like us, and no one's booed us or anything," said Craig Kneale, Twin Atlantic's drummer.

But to the Scottish boys who make up Twin Atlantic, it's not about the image or fame. For them it's all about the music.

"We're all really passionate about music and we want to be in a band because we love music, not because we want to be cool," McNae said.

If you're a fan of either Scotland or good music, make sure to give Twin Atlantic a listen. You won't be disappointed.

When the show came to a close and the fans spilled out into the Buffalo night, streams of sweat and grins alike were found on their faces. Still, a tinge of despair hung in the air as everyone realized that from here on out The Fall of Troy would be nothing but a memory.

E-mail:arts@ubspectrum.com