Take the stirring instrumental passion and progressive aspects of At The Drive-In and mix them in with the blistering screamo of The Blood Brothers and you have a good idea of what to expect from The Fall Of Troy on their Equal Vision debut. While the music featured here is often frenetically paced and hyperactive, the speed and snotty aggression belies the actual talent of the instrumental work on hand.

The guitar playing especially is quite technical as it rips through screeching notes and lingering harmonics. This is not to ignore the rather inquisitive bass performance, the schizophrenic melodic allure pitted against the grating screams found in the dual vocals or the animated drumming performance by any means. But through it all, the relentless chugs and squeals found in the guitar playing are usually found front and center.

While the unwavering amount of atmospheric density present does suggest this trio, who do also incorporate keys into the mix, did indulge in a few overdubs; the musical layering and instant catharsis they create is overwhelming enough to silence any complaints. Rare is it that a band can make a listener bewildered, provoked and excited in one fell swoop and those feelings are just the tip of the emotional iceberg found here.

Yes there are shortcomings in the form of prolonged dissonance and a few sketchy parts that don't pack much of a punch. But with music as artistic and feverish as this, they are easily overlooked. Simply put, even with its influences worn proudly on its sleeve, "Doppelganger" is one of the most dynamically challenging and artistically gifted albums to see a release in ages and should be high on the list for anyone looking for a uniquely vigorous listen.