1. Lodz

   10

   As young Swans they used to be regarded as provocative, multitalented and special in a way that made them a choice for minority. Although critics seemed to always acclaim their work, people not really and one of the most important bands of the late 80-ties and 90-ties disbanded. Now they are back. They strike with such power, strength and reflection that it is hard to pass by. Once You start You may easily lost 2 hours digging in dark meditations and strong, "wall of noise" music. Yummy. Probably the best album this year. Probably their best work to date. Highly recommended. An instant classic.… Expand

   • Helpful? 4 of 4 users said Yes.
2. axelkoch

   8

   I know everybody will call me a dumbass now, but I just don't get what the art of this album is. Listening to it is an adventure that is really depressing and dismal and it's set up very, very good but after all of it, I really think it's not that good. 'The Seer' is a weird one, full with probably unexplainable lyrics and strange noises coming from somewhere else. You can't take the single songs seriously, because when they're 18 minutes long and mostly instrumental, it's not remarkable. But as a whole work this is just like a strange independent movie. A little bit terrfying, full of metaphers and then comes this little spoken part. I can't really tell if it is a masterpiece because I'm also disappointed with this record, at least sort of. That is supposably by reason that I don't get the meaning. Maybe Swans just want to discombobulate, consternate me. When the two-hour-album finally dies away after the 23 minute closer 'The Apostate' you have to be stunned because of the wickedness (not in a bad way) of this disc. Maybe it's art, maybe it's not but it surely is astonishing work that is food for thought.… Expand

   • Helpful? 1 of 1 users said Yes.
3. dolanclass

   7

   A 7/10, and this is me being generous. To sit through the full two hours felt like a chore more than an enjoyable music-listening experience. Still, 'Avatar' is a fantastic song, and I'm bound to rate anything with Karen O's vocals highly, so 'Song for a Warrior' earns high marks as well. Overall though, needs more killer, less filler.… Expand

   • Helpful? 3 of 3 users said Yes.
4. Rockman1976

   3

   If albums were supposed to be rated by originality this is a "10". It's like anything I ever heard before. However, I picked this albums strictly for the music and this album blows. It tested my limits of patience when I was listening to it in a car - stuck in traffic. There are noises, people screaming, playing flute, harmonica, violin, whistles, bells, and all types of weird instruments. And there is no order in this madness. Just listen to the title track that goes for 32 minutes. From minute 10 to 32 Gira is basically pounding the same chord on his guitar for 22 minutes to get to the violent drum and guitars climax. And after I survived this track and though "it can't get any worse" next track features 2 minutes of rain falling and some people just yelling for 5 minutes. I don't know, maybe it's just me, but music supposed to be fun to listen to. This album is depressing and whatever you do don't play it with your date around, or it's going to be a short date.… Expand

   • Helpful? 4 of 9 users said Yes.

See all 15 User Reviews