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 thrilled to announce the release of a new studio album, ‘Paralyzed,’ set for release on February 13, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.
BLACK SWAN unleashes today another extract of the record, “If I Was King,” that follows the previously released single “The Fire And The Flame.”
Reb Beach described the new single:
“’If I Was King’ is one of my favorites because it has all the elements of a good BLACK SWAN song. It’s powerful with great guitar riffs and soaring vocals, but that chorus has some different chords than usual. It really sticks in my head.”
Jeff Pilson added:
“This song really shows where BLACK SWAN shines at its best. Great melodies and lyrics, burning guitars and pounding rhythms. And wait till you see the video!!!”
“This track sets the tone for what’s to come with its dark and heavy opening chords, building intensity into a big melodic chorus that is quintessentially BLACK SWAN!! Watch the video and let it pull you in!” continued Robin McAuley.
“’If I Was King’ throws down the gauntlet and is what BLACK SWAN is all about. Kick ass, high-energy rock music with killer melodies, lyrics, and musicianship. Robin is so talented at creating imagery with his lyrics based on the music that Jeff and Reb create. This is a great example of that”, said Matt Starr.
BLACK SWAN is back with their explosive third album, ‘Paralyzed.’ Following the critical acclaim of their previous releases, the supergroup once again delivers a powerful statement in modern hard rock.
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 commented:“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!”
‘Paralyzed’ Track List:
- When The Cold Wind Blows
- Death Of Me
- Different Kind Of Woman
- If I Was King
- Shakedown
- The Fire And The Flame
- I’m Ready
- Paralyzed
- Carry On
- Battered And Bruised
- 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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