BLACK SWAN
"Paralyzed" (Frontiers New
Recordings; 2026)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
You'd expect a solid rock'n'roll album coming from a band that counts Robin
McAuley, Reb Beach, Jeff Pilson, and Matt Starr as its members, and Black Swan's
"Paralyzed," doesn't disappoint.
From the opening track, "Paralyzed" is anything but, delivering track after track of razor-sharp guitar, pulsating bass, pounding drums, and mighty vocals that fit the genre perfectly. And, speaking of genre, the songs here are 80s-style, guitar-driven classic hard rock/metal songs with hook-laden choruses and amazing production. The fiery guitar leads leap out at you when the time is right, the vocals are crisp and clear and the rhythm section sparkles.
My favorite tracks were the bouncy "Different Kind of Woman," the driving title track and "If I Were King," with its throbbing riffs and powerful thrust.
Things slow down (as they tend to do at least once on this kind of album) with "I'm Ready," but it's not a bad track by any stretch. But, if you're like me, you're ready to get back to the harder stuff. (And that's where the title track comes in, right behind this one).
I've kind of been yearning for an album like Black Swan's "Paralyzed," and I'm glad this one came across my desk. You will be, too, if this genre is to your liking.
For more information, check out http://www.robinmcauley.com/black-swan.html.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
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Copyright © 2026 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
