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 unveil the title track from their upcoming new studio album, ‘Paralyzed,’ set for release on February 13, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.
Robin McAuley comments:
“Nowadays it’s difficult not to become submerged in the news and negative comments presented to us through all media sources. That feeling of being numb and unsafe with an overpowering feeling of anxiety. Desperate for change, get back to the good old days when things seemed simpler. Craving to hear something positive and yet helpless and repeatedly overwhelmed by so much negative space, leaving us feeling paralyzed.”
Jeff Pilson adds:
“’Paralyzed’ is another Robin McAuley story that speaks to that anxiety most of us are feeling about the state of the world right now. It’s scary, overwhelming and seemingly never-ending! We need to find the positive in all the negativity and we need it soon! Plus- it rocks!!!!!”
Matt Starr also states:
“’Paralyzed’ kicks ass! This is one of the things that BLACK SWAN does best… Hard driving high energy rock ‘n’ roll with great melodies, tons of hooks, thought provoking timely lyrics and exceptional musicianship. I’m really proud of this track.”
“With ‘Paralyzed’ I was going for a Black Sabbath ‘Neon Nights’ vibe when I started writing it, and then it blossomed into the title track when Jeff and Robin got their hands on it. It’s a very cool song guitar wise, and I hope we get to play it live one day because it really rocks!” continues Reb Beach.
‘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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