The Black Swan is the third album from alternative/rock/screamo, post-hardcore band Story Of The Year who formed in Missouri in 1995. The band was oringinally called Big Blue Monkey, they changed the name in 2002 after the realease of their EP names 'Story of the Year'when they found a blues group already existed with that name. The band has been trying hard to reach their full potential after the success of their debut.It took 8 years for the band to become more widley recognised with their debut 'Page Avenue' that contained popular single, "Anthem of Our Dying Day" and "Until The Day I Die". The bands second album, 'In the Wake of Determination' was released in 2005 but wasn't successful or as much so as the previous. Now Story Of The Year has returned with their third album 'The Black Swan',which was released on the 22nd of April, 2008 on Eritaph Records.
Once again, the band got it right. This is a really strong album that has great potential. They managed to include modern rock radio hits with melody invloved.
The first single "Wake Up", is a shout out to the world. They're basically trying to say that people better realise whats going on and do something about it or mankind will be gone. If rock songs were written by committees and focus groups, “Wake Up” is how they would sound. very infectious, addictive track. for "Angel In The Swamp" they have the kindof 90's rock type thing going on with the guitar parts influenced by underground heroes. "We're Not Gonna Make It" has been compared to the Goo Goo Dolls in the way that it is light and radio-friendly, I think more people would enjoy it in comparison to more of their other songs that contain loud music or screaming. A few of the tracks "Choose Your Fate", "Tell Me (P.A.C)" and "Welcome To Out New War" grab your attention with hard riffing guitars and the catchy lyrics. Some of the other songs are a bit repetitive, but none the less, still good.
Tracklist
1. Choose Your Fate
2. Wake Up
3. The Antidote
4. Tell Me (P.A.C)
5. Angel In the Swamp
6. The Black Swan
7. Message to the World
8. Apathy Is a Deathwish
9. We're Not Gonna Make It
10. Cannonball
11. Terrified
12. Pale Blue Dot (interlude)
13. Welcome to Our New War
I'm not sure that Epitaph is the right home for Story Of The Year, I wouldn't consider them to be indie, but at least they're getting the attention they deserve. This is a band that you don't just want to listen to, I find myself wanting to always be in the mosh-pit of a Story Of The Year gig and screaming to all the lyrics like I know anyone with good taste should be. In 'The Black Swan' it really sounds like these guys are genuine in the way they care about our world. Listen to "Message To The World"."Another war will rise,
will we open the floor
Listen to the words it seems like
Everyone has a cause fighting for a world we think we own
But do we know?"
They want to change the world, and as much as I respect them for making great music, the fact that their music has meaning just makes me support them so much more. I highly reccommend this album. even if it is more lighter than previous albums, the sort of music that deserves radio play, its still catchy and is great to listen to.
