The Black Swan
Story of the Year · 2008
52 min · 14 tracks · hardcore punk
A blend of melodic hardcore and post-hardcore, pulsating with raw energy and introspective lyrics that challenge societal norms.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Antidote — This track exemplifies the album's sonic evolution with its infectious chorus and poignant lyrics addressing personal struggles and resilience.
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Wake Up — With its urgent tempo and reflective lyrics, this song captures the essence of awakening to reality, making it a standout anthem for change.
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We're Not Gonna Make It — As an emotionally charged declaration against complacency, this track resonates with listeners through its powerful message and driving instrumentation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases energetic compositions with dynamic shifts but lacks overall cohesion in its sequencing.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a high energy level with aggressive guitar riffs and driving rhythms, while the second half introduces more melodic elements and introspective lyrics.
- The interlude track 'Pale Blue Dot' serves as a brief pause that contrasts the preceding intensity, allowing for a moment of reflection before the final tracks ramp up again.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady, consistent energy levels
- gradual builds and payoffs
- reflective, introspective listening moments
- dynamic emotional journeys
Where this album fits
- Career context
- The Black Swan is Story of the Year's third studio album, released in 2008 after a four-year gap following their sophomore effort, Page Avenue. The band was navigating a transitional phase, seeking to refine their sound and explore deeper lyrical themes amid evolving musical landscapes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Finch· The Used· Taking Back Sunday
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Choose Your Fate 3:33
- 2 Wake Up 3:31
- 3 The Antidote 3:59
- 4 Tell Me (P.A.C.) 3:58
- 5 Angel in the Swamp 4:28
- 6 The Black Swan 3:44
- 7 Message to the World 4:03
- 8 Apathy Is a Deathwish 3:30
- 9 We’re Not Gonna Make It 4:03
- 10 Cannonball 3:49
- 11 Terrified 4:00
- 12 Pale Blue Dot (interlude) 1:06
- 13 Welcome to Our New War 5:11
- 14 Never Let It Go 3:42
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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