UMUR "Black Swan Annihilation" is the 13th full-length studio album by New Zealand based metal act Monsterworks. The album was released through Eat Lead and Die in June 2016. It´s the successor to "The Existential Codex" from 2015. Monsterworks were formed in 1996 and have been quite prolific in their output rate since then.

The music on "Black Swan Annihilation" is a combination of many musical styles and it´s actually a bit hard to describe. The instrumental part of the music features quite a few 70s heavy rock/metal elements, stoner rock/metal elements, progressive rock elements, and some thrash and death metal elements too (the material is generally greatly dynamic). The vocals on the album vary between growling vocals and clean male vocals. Both vocal styles are delivered with conviction and skill. The eclectic nature of the material makes "Black Swan Annihilation" a relatively challenging listen, although it´s not inaccessible in any way. The tracks just take a while to settle, and the listener´s ears/brain may also need some time to accept the combination of musical styles.

The album is relatively well produced although I could have wished for a little more bottom. The bass is not always audible in the mix. The musicianship is strong and Monsterworks are obviously a band who are out to challenge themselves and their audience, which always deserve praise. Personally "Black Swan Annihilation" leaves me a bit biased as I greatly respect the album as an adventurous experiment, but the material on the 7 track, 38:12 minutes long album, don´t really stick. It´s enjoyable while it plays though and I´m kept on my toes throughout the playing time, but the album could generally have prospered from a few more recognisable hooks and memorable moments. A 3 - 3.5 star (65%) rating is warranted.