Story of the Year's 'The Black Swan' Will Melt Your Face: Buzznet Album Review

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See More... I’ve always appreciated Story of the Year's blend of rock, pop and metal. Not many bands can pull it off, but there’s something about the St. Louis post-hardcore band's perfect harmonies and musical breakdowns that have kept me hooked since their 2003, debut Page Avenue. It's already become one of my favorite releases of 2008. 

The Black Swan picks up right where 2005’s Wake of Determination left off. Opening track "Choose Your Fate" kicks in like a machine gun: heavy and punchy. Think: the biggest mosh pit ever. "Wake Up" showcases the group’s melodic songwriting abilities, and the chants of “wake up” in the chorus are nothing short of addictive and irresistible to shout along to.

In a recent press release, singer Dan Marsala expressed that the band has "really stepped it up on this record," and it definitely shows. "We're like a brand-new band," he said. "You can hear it in these songs."

“The Black Swan” showcases the band’s maturity as a songwriting team, and it shows in the lyrics: “Far beyond the realm of perception, our assumptions – dissipate in the void." These aren’t high-school-girls-hate-me problems they sing about. This is real life philosophized.

Story of the Year have managed to make a record of meaningful songs that touch on very serious topics like war and prejuice, yet they do so in a way that doesn't shove it down your throat. The record is not just a collection of tunes but an entity that will actually make you think and hopefully inspire you to make a difference in your life.

Overall, The Black Swan is more of what Story of the Year fans have grown to love. They didn't veer away from their songwriting formula and have stayed true to who they are as musicians. (You won't see the band wearing vests and skinny ties anytime soon.) The bottom line is – this record will kick your a--!

Check out The Reaper's review of Testament's The Formation of Damnation.

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Source: Buzznet Music Community