As the “emo” era fades, bands once known for sorrowful lyrics and high-pitched chorus like Taking Back Sunday are maturing. Known for its “screamo” 2003 hit “Until the Day I Die,” rock band Story of the Year has followed a similar path.
“The Black Swan,” the band’s third album, will be released on April 22. People expecting another album with angst-filled lyrics will be mistaken. Following the group’s unpopular second album, “In the Wake of Determination,” Story of the Year continued its heavy sounds but traveled new paths with added melody and different lyrics.
Story of the Year left Maverick Records, owned by Warner Music Group, in 2007 and signed with indie label Epitaph. Guitarist Ryan Phillips mentions the move was positive: “Epitaph seemed like the perfect place for us at this time in our career.
It’s a much more creative environment.” Lead singer Dan Marsala also showed his excitement: “Making this record felt like starting over. We’re like a brand new band.
You can hear it in these songs, we’re excited again. I think we’ve really stepped it up on this record.”
The first song on this album, “Choose Your Fate” is heavy sounding with screaming, similar to songs on its second album. As the first song, you’d expect the rest to be the same, but continue listening. The following songs stress Story of the Year’s new direction and maturity.
The album’s first single “Wake Up” is upbeat and similar to singles on the band’s first “scene” album, Page Avenue. A slow starting song with powerful choruses, it won’t disappoint any fans or MTV.
“The Black Swan” appeases Story of the Year fans with familiar music, but the group has tried new things. “Terrified” includes piano melodies and a break from lead singer Dan Marsala’s screaming.
Instead of relationships, the lyrics emphasize politics, war and social issues. Songs like “Wake Up” and “Pale Blue Dot” highlight human insignificance in a vast universe and violence is pointless.
“Wake Up’s” lyrics preach living life and renouncing violence: “Wake up – to the sound of this time bomb / Wake up – to it’s deafening song / Wake up – cause you don’t know what you got until it’s gone.”
With a new label, a new album, and the producer from its first successful album, Story of the Year is renewed and prepared for release. For post-hardcore fans, “The Black Swan” won’t disappoint.
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