After what seems like an age Story Of The Year have returned with the release of their third album, The Black Swan.  The album sees the band build on their previous two releases to produce what is undoubtedly their best effort to date. 

Trying to describe what SOTY sound like, for those unfamiliar with the band, is a difficult task.  In the main the band have managed to create their own unique sound; but do they fall into the screamo, melodic hardcore or just plain rock category?  Actually it's probably the latter as this album shows that they are more than capable of producing heavier faster tracks such as ‘Choose Your Fate’ and final song ‘Welcome To Your War’ alongside slower, more heartfelt numbers along the lines of ‘Terrified’. 

Elsewhere ‘Angel In The Swamp’ and title track ‘The Black Swan’ are more along the lines of their older material, and musically sound a little like The Used.  ‘We’re Not Gonna To Make It’ on the other hand actually has a Lostprophets tinge and in places on The Black Swan elements of the music could be described as being akin to a heavier version of Linkin Park, shown in part by first single, ‘Wake Up’. 

With The Black Swan SOTY have managed to incorporate gang vocals, some well placed guitar solos (particularly on ‘Message To The World’) and catchy choruses are evident throughout most notably on the album's standout track ‘Tell Me (P.A.C.)’. Overall however The Black Swan is simply a well produced album with a good sound.  Not only does it have all of the strong characteristics that made Page Avenue and In The Wake Of Determination good, but it also sees the band honing their writing skills to create an album that surpasses both of their previous offerings.

Let us know your views on The Black Swan

Track Listing

Choose Your Fate
Wake Up
The Antidote
Tell Me (P.A.C.)
Angel In The Swamp
The Black Swan
Message To The World
Apathy Is A Deathwish
We’re Not Gonna Make It
Cannonball
Terrified
Pale Blue Dot (Interlude)
Welcome To Our New War

Line Up

Dan Marsala – Vocals
Ryan Phillips – Guitar
Philip Sneed – Guitar/Vocals
The Skull – Bass
Josh Wills - Drums