When I read the press release for the Black Swan release, I was instantly floored. The band lineup is a who’s who of melodic rock’s best musicians.
Lead Guitar: Reb Beach from Winger and Whitesnake
Vocals: Robin McAuley from Michael Schenker Group
Bass, Acoustic Guitar: Jeff Pilson from Dokken The End Machine, and Foriegner
Drums: Matt Starr from Mr. Big and Ace Frehley.
I mean, SERIOUSLY?
Well, these fellas have released a monster debut album in Shake the World. From top to bottom, this is easily one of 2020’s beat hard rock releases, and some of the best melodic rock to come down the pipe in the last decade.
Breaking the proverbial doors wide open is the title track, “Shake the World.” Matt Starr brings the thunder right from the beginning, paving the way for Reb Beach to light the track up with those high octane riffs and leads. Robin McAuley is still such a powerhouse vocalist. His voice and presence command your attention and put it in a chokehold. What a way to kick things off!
“Big Disaster” is a solid rocker with plenty of groove courtesy of resident bassist, Jeff Pilson. He compliments Matt (Starr) so well, as he has always his other bands’ drummers. The chorus on this one is super infectious and Reb (Beach) really shows us why he is one of rock’s best guitar players today.
“Johnny Came Marching” slows the tempo slightly, but the song remains very heavy. Robin (McAuley) sounds fantastic and makes this track sound eerily like that of a Dio track.
“Immortal Souls” lends itself to more of a modern rock vibe with darker undertones. Lyrics are inspired by two souls destined to be together through all of time. This track could have easily been included any of the later Dokken releases such as Shadowlife or Dysfucntional. Even the guitar is reminiscent to that of Pilson’s bandmate in Dokken, George Lynch.
“Make it There” is basically a blueprint for how to create an AOR ballad. Every element inspired a yearning for love. Robin’s impressive vocal chords are put to the test and Reb and Jeff’s background vocals seal the deal to make this track my absolute favorite of the album. This song alone is worth the price of the album.
Next up, we’re hit with a one-two punch of heavy rockers. “She’s On To Us” is a venom fueled rocker with plenty of bite and a memorable sing-along chorus. “The Rock That Rolled Away” is more of a pedal to the metal rocker with driving rhythms and Reb Beach just unleashing and doing what he does best.
“Sacred Place” is a soaring mid-tempo rocker with gorgeous melodies and a guitar intro that drips with soul.
Closing out the album is heartfelt power ballad, “Divided/United.” There really is not a better way to describe this song. Robin’s voice backed by a grand piano starts the track off. Gradually the rest of the instruments make their way and at just over the 3-minute mark is where the power comes in to take this incredible album into the sunset.
Without a doubt, Shake the World is one of this year’s best hard rock releases. Black Swan have knocked it out of the park, and I know that only time will tell in such a busy world, but I really hope they continue to make music for many years to come.
Rating: 9/10 Stars.
I’m Music Magazine Writer Jason “Supes” Mesa
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