Review BLACK SWAN “Paralyzed”

Black Swan was formed in 2019 and features an impressive line-up. Reb Beach, Robin McAuley, Jeff Pilson and Matt Starr are the musicians who found a new musical outlet with Black Swan. “Shake the World”, the band’s successful debut album released in 2020, was the starting point for Black Swan, and we can already welcome album number three in 2026.

The quartet stays true to their musical roots. “Paralyzed”, the title of their latest studio album, includes eleven songs, and one might say that it is a typical Frontiers Music release. However, as we are listening to four renowned musicians with a solid history in rock and melodic metal, Black Swan has enough of an identity to set them apart from most other bands in this genre.

“Paralyzed” is rooted in ’80s hard rock, featuring powerful guitar riffs and great melodies. Robin McAuley also seems to have found a great new musical home. He can make full use of his powerful voice, which has some rougher edges, while handling melodic vocal lines with ease. The album is full of catchy hooks reminiscent of old-school hard rock. At the same time, a subtle heaviness is embedded in each of the eleven tracks, showing Black Swan unfolding the black wings

The chemistry between the four musicians is also palpable. Their performance is tight and ferocious, and benefits from a well-crafted sound. Produced by Jeff Pilson, “Paralyzed” strikes the perfect balance between dynamic rock roots and catchy moments. These two elements shape the sound of Black Swan. There’s the galloping “The Fire and the Flame”, with its calmer verse, which showcases this band of stars’ musical versatility. The title track is another source of energy, while “Different Kind of Woman” transports you to 1980s Hollywood.

“I’m Ready” is a tear-jerker. Although it is a ballad, it doesn’t drown in cliché-fuelled boredom. The song has a harder edge that still drives the emotional momentum of “Paralyzed”.

“Paralyzed” continues what Black Swan started in 2020 with their debut album. It is well-crafted hard rock, presented by musicians with a rich history, passion, and experience. “Paralyzed” won’t turn the musical world upside down, and nobody expects it to. Instead, fans of entertaining, vibrant hard rock will find what they are looking for. If you enjoyed the first two albums, you will also enjoy “Paralyzed”.