Very, very rarely, an album or piece of music falls into my awareness that absolutely blows my scalp off. "Lateralus" by Tool and "Frances the Mute" by The Mars Volta are good examples of this. You listen and stop whatever it is you're doing, and the music takes over. By the time the album is done, you feel exhausted, like after a good dose of mushrooms.

Well, I can confidently say that "The Seer" by Swans, just released two months ago, falls into this category.

I've been aware of Swans and their twisted, sprawling, noisy, acid burn-out brand of music for quite a while. But nothing they've done prepared me for their latest album. It's really one of a kind. Nothing else they've done stands up to it, in my opinion. And the fact that it's coming at this point in their career, after thirty years, is incredible.

And it's two hours long. Yup. I know. But you have to listen to the whole thing. It twists and turns in ways that will catch you completely off guard. It's terrifying, insane, ecstatic, cathartic, beautiful, violent, and deeply psychedelic. The first disc, to me, is like loss and despair, and the second disc is like redemption and acceptance. I know all this sounds over the top and superlative, but just give it a listen, I think you'll see what I mean.

Writing about music can be fun, but at the same time, it's like finger-signing about an orgasm, you just have to experience it.

Here's the first track, "Lunacy," just to wet your whistle.

Album artwork:



Anyway, I really wanted to share this music with all of you because I have a feeling some people around here would really appreciate it (if they don't already know about it). It's really gotten into my psyche and it definitely rewards repeated listens, as long as it is.

Thanks for the reference.
I wasn´t aware of Swans before.
I like them now.

Thanks so much for posting this. Realy good stuff.

I bought tickets today to see them live next month. Cant wait

I'm jealous man, Michael Gira is pretty legendary for putting on great shows.

Glad I could turn some people on to this band.

Every night before I go to sleep I choose some specific songs that give me personally some specific feeling, than I slowly drift to sleep.
Before I complete fell asleep I experience sort of a hypnagogic state in which all kinds of abstract things/ideas fly through my head, like some sort of balance between my conscious and subconscious.

Which can be extremely helpful if you are an artist or a creative person.

I have to say nothing gives me this familiar feeling more than Tool and Swans - The Seer.


Psychedelic,abstract,chanting,ritualistic,subtle in your face....