Over the course of time countless artists (think W.G. Sebald, Alfred Hitchcock, U2) have incorporated the word "vertigo" in the titles of some of their greatest masterpieces.

While individual reasons behind doing so indubitably vary from novel name to song moniker, "vertigo" probably comes to mind because it represents feelings of lightheadedness and dizziness: uncontrollable, out-of-this-world feelings.

And as is often the case with truly good music -- which can creep deep down into your core and shake you from the inside out -- vertigo represents pleasant, euphoric kinds of dizziness.

Following in suit with songs able to grow goose bumps on your skin and wipe waves of delirium down your spine, due to potent lyrics and swirling guitar riffs, a trio of alternative Scots included the wooziness-inflicting word in naming their sophomore album.

Vertigo of Bliss, a thrilling alternative album from rockers Biffy Clyro, is the group's second release under the Beggars Banquet label. And while first wasn't the worst, second might be the best (or perhaps a big step onto a plateau of poignant rock, because later records proved to be equally experimental and riveting).

Like the name suggests, this album casts a dizzy spell of complex guitar trips and viciously distorted vocals delivered most pleasantly.

Simon Neil, joined by twin brothers Ben and James Johnston, got their start as Screwfish, a trio of teens trying (like many other juveniles in the early nineties) to emulate the sound and style of back-then bigwigs Nirvana and Metallica.

However, unlike the flocks of fanatic kids with drumsticks and guitar picks and a real knack for echoing their favorite bands, these youngsters learned the secret to success early: put some of your own personality into the mix. Before long they were with a label and touring under the title Biffy Clyro (I've done some research, and unfortunately no solid evidence exists as to the history behind this name).

And so was born a hardcore record with all of the elements of traditional metal, but with a bit of Biffy zest -- as is heard in The Ideal Height (which, in addition to the infamous Questions And Answers , was a hit single). Two minutes in you'll hear a hint of the Chili Peppers that ends in a very emo-esque fashion.

The entire lineup utilizes a college education in musical electronics and audio engineering, so the experimental string sets and rough edged synthetics that they bring to the table come as no surprise to Team Biffy (otherwise known as The Fans).

Fierce punk-rock shrieking found in tracks like the opener, Bodies In Flight , combines with softer, more sensitive numbers With Aplomb and All The Way Down , proving the inventive prowess expressed in Biffy Clyro's eclectic, epic second installment.

Additional Tracks:
Liberate The Illiterate
When The Faction’s Fractioned