I didn’t see this one coming. Almost out of nowhere, Irish modern rock/groove metal quintet Black Svan sneaks up on you like that kid at your junior high school who was frequently picked on. But in high school, he joined the wrestling team, put on some muscle and is now unfuckable with. Ditto for Black Svan. The band possesses muscle and might with a melodic, metallic edge on its debut full-length album, 16 Minutes. On its ten hard-driving tracks, the band sounds more American than their Irish roots suggest, possessing a commercial, radio-friendly sound that will certainly appeal to the North American mainstream crowd. The same punters who like Godsmack, Five Finger Death Punch and Sevendust, along with heavier bands such as Metallica, Black Label Society and Pantera, will also like Black Svan.

Keith Caffrey’s voice is gritty and captivating, while melodic and inviting at the same time, often drawing comparisons to Sully Erna of Godsmack, Rob Zombie and Zakk Wylde. The songs boast huge hooks with soaring vocal harmonies on every chorus, which are accompanied by great guitar work from Jagger Murray and Mo Clifford. “Retribution” kicks things off nicely with its aggressive-yet-melodic swagger, decorated with a huge, hooky chorus. The thrashy “Bleed-Me-Dry” shows off the band’s heavier side while the intro to “Dream Forever”, and parts of the title track, delves into more softer, melodic moments with some fabulous vocal harmonies reminiscent of Zakk Wylde. Black Svan is one of the best new promising bands who deserve some attention. Unfortunately, the band will probably get lost in the shuffle, as there is an over saturation of bands such as Black Svan at the moment in this genre. However, Black Svan could be, and probably should have already been … huge. This has arena-rock hero status written all over it.