Story of the Year claim to have finally found their musical identity with The Black Swan, their first indie release via Epitaph after two studio albums over on Maverick Records; it sounds to be basically a fusion of the band's prior releases, a happy middle ground somewhere between the soul-searching alt rock anthems of their debut and the harder, gutsier In the Wake of Determination. But as self-assured as that may sound, all it really means is, well, The Black Swan is another Story of the Year album. This predictability ...
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Story of the Year claim to have finally found their musical identity with The Black Swan, their first indie release via Epitaph after two studio albums over on Maverick Records; it sounds to be basically a fusion of the band's prior releases, a happy middle ground somewhere between the soul-searching alt rock anthems of their debut and the harder, gutsier In the Wake of Determination. But as self-assured as that may sound, all it really means is, well, The Black Swan is another Story of the Year album. This predictability doesn't necessarily make a tiresome set -- exhilarating closer "Welcome to Our New War" finishes the proceedings with a nice adrenaline rush -- just one that's pretty much expected, which will probably comfort some, but do nothing to convert anyone still sitting on the fence. Fans will bask in the familiar rise and fall sing-scream dynamics of songs like "Wake Up," "Choose Your Fate," and "Apathy Is a Deathwish," while elsewhere they'll appreciate relatively softer moments, as in the soaring emotions of "We're Not Gonna Make It" and the piano-embossed ballad "Terrified," which comes complete with gentle drum rolls and sweet vocal harmonies. Songs build, crash, chug and crescendo as expected, proving that Story of the Year's new home on Epitaph does nothing to alter or influence the quintet's take on emotional, accessible rock music with hardcore flourishes. It's superficially an odd pairing of label and band, but one that ultimately affects little more than the logo stamped on the album's back cover. ~ Corey Apar, Rovi
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Add this copy of The Black Swan to cart. $3.30, good condition, Sold by HPB-Red rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2008 by Epitaph / Ada.
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Seller's Description:
Good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of The Black Swan to cart. $3.30, very good condition, Sold by HPB Inc. rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2008 by Epitaph / Ada.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of The Black Swan to cart. $3.99, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Emerald rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2008 by Epitaph / Ada.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of The Black Swan to cart. $6.49, good condition, Sold by Wonder Book - Member ABAA/ILAB rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Frederick, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2008 by Epitaph.
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Good. Good condition. audioCD. Disc slightly scratched. Case Good. Case scuffed. Quality guaranteed! In original artwork/packaging unless otherwise noted.
Add this copy of The Black Swan to cart. $23.73, new condition, Sold by EB-Books LLC rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Rockford, IL, UNITED STATES, published 2008 by Epitaph.
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