Today, the all-star hard rock collective BLACK SWAN — featuring Robin McAuley (McAuley Schenker Group), Reb Beach (Winger, Whitesnake), Jeff Pilson (Foreigner, The End Machine, ex-Dokken), and Matt Starr (Ace Frehley, Mr. Big) — are proud to release their new album 'Paralyzed,' out now via Frontiers Music Srl. To celebrate the release, the band also shares the new track "I'm Ready," alongside an official visualizer, available below.
Robin McAuley comments on the new single:
“Definitely one of my favorite songs on the record. A change of pace here without losing the power of the music while creating an emotional lyric and melody. This was a great moment in the studio.”
Matt Starr adds:
“'I'm Ready' is one of my favorite songs from the new album. There's a lot of emotion in this song. The chord changes are awesome and of course Robin's vocals and lyrics are powerful and compelling. This track has such a vibe. I had a great time recording this with Jeff, lots of great big drum fills!”
Reb Beach also stated:
“I really like 'I'm Ready.' All the sections have great melodies and make it a very strong radio power ballad. I love the very beginning. Jeff said, "We need an intro, grab your guitar". Then he sat down at the keyboard and started playing random chords. I started playing randomly, as well, and that's what happened, haha! I just got lucky!”
Watch the Official Visualizer for "I'm Ready" HERE:
McAuley expressed his enthusiasm for the new record by saying,
“Can’t wait for you guys to hear our new record. We feel we’ve taken our songwriting to another level on this one, with amazing guitar riffs that once again show the brilliance that is Reb Beach. Pounding bass as you’d expect from Jeff, and Matt Starr leaving no doubt about where the thunder comes from. Soaring melodies with strong lyrics are what we do best, combine that with sheer heaviness and we have a record we think you, the fans, are going to love."
“BLACK SWAN is old school eighties rock that is all about good guitar riffs with badass vocals. No one is better than Robin at singing this kind of music. I think the combination of my riffs and his vocals is what makes the band stand out”, Reb Beach said.
“I think the fans are going to love our new record. It builds on the first two records, taking the songwriting, playing, and energy to another level. I'm so proud to be part of this great group of musicians and guys”, stated Matt Starr.
Jeff Pilson adds:
“We're all very excited for the release of BLACK SWAN's 'Paralyzed' and can't wait for all the fans to hear it. We wanted to come up with a real step forward in melodic heaviness, and I strongly believe we delivered. Enjoy!”
BLACK SWAN. Photo Credit: Enzo Mazzeo
1. When The Cold Wind Blows
11. What The Future Holds
With all songs written and composed by McAuley, Pilson, and Beach, and expertly produced by Pilson, 'Paralyzed' showcases BLACK SWAN at their peak performance - offering a dynamic mix of towering vocals, razor-sharp riffs, and hook-laden melodies. The band’s chemistry continues to shine, elevating their songwriting and musical delivery to new heights.
Tracked at Pilson’s Los Angeles studio, the album reflects the tight-knit synergy among its members. McAuley’s commanding vocals remain ageless, while the instrumentalists deliver with precision and fire. Much like its predecessors, the new record is a testament to the individual and collective talents of these seasoned musicians.
'Paralyzed' is fresh, heavy, and melodically rich - a cohesive and compelling album that feels both classic and contemporary. Building upon the blueprint laid by their debut, 'Shake The World,' the band expands their sonic universe.
The result is a record that not only meets but surpasses expectations, cementing BLACK SWAN as a formidable force in the modern hard rock scene. Whether you’ve followed these legendary musicians since the heyday of '80s rock or you’re just now discovering their magic, 'Paralyzed' is essential listening - a masterclass in melodic hard rock delivered by artists who continue to defy time and expectations.
The genesis of BLACK SWAN was sparked by a conversation between Jeff Pilson and Frontiers' President & Head of A&R, Serafino Perugino, who wanted a project that would not only showcase McAuley's vocal prowess, but have a mighty musical backbone to stand skyscraper tall behind him. Thus, the initial seeds were planted, and Pilson ran with it from there.
BLACK SWAN released their debut album, 'Shake The World,' on February 14, 2020. A killer slice of melodic hard rock and heavy metal from seasoned players who have gelled musically. Their sophomore album, 'Generation Mind,' followed in 2022, a powerful hard rock statement that consolidates the unique sound of the quartet and highlights the talent of each of them.
BLACK SWAN are:
Robin McAuley - Lead Vocals
Reb Beach - Guitars
Jeff Pilson - Bass
Matt Starr - Drums
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