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The Seer
by
The Seer Image
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 32 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 138 Ratings

  • Artist(s): Michael Gira, Norman Westberg, Christoph Hahn, Phil Puleo
  • Summary: The second full-length studio release for the Michael Gira project includes the 32-minute title track and guest appearances by Akron/Family), Karen O, Alan Sparhawk, and Mimi Parker of Low
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. The A.V. Club
    Oct 11, 2012
    100
    Swans has never traveled a straightforward, clean, or uninterrupted path. But with The Seer, one thing is certain: Even during its quietest lulls, Gira has never sounded louder.
  2. Drowned In Sound
    Aug 28, 2012
    100
    The Seer is the culmination of Gira's 30-year-journey; his finest two hours, if you will.
  3. Consequence
    Aug 30, 2012
    90
    This album redefines Swans by gathering the best of its past and re-centering the music on impulse and interplay, built with a preternatural sense of how long to let a section develop before moving on to the next idea
  4. Spin
    Aug 28, 2012
    80
    It's all willfully abrasive, unflinchingly depressing, occasionally tedious, and intermittently triumphant.
  5. NOW Magazine
    Aug 30, 2012
    80
    The Seer will definitely raise the band's profile, although its sheer intensity and ugliness may scare people away.
  6. Paste Magazine
    Aug 28, 2012
    76
    The key to The Seer's delicate noise-beauty contrast is its sense of direction. It's what keeps the album's three crazy-long epics (particularly the half-hour-long title-track) from fading into wallpaper or bleeding out from excess.
  7. Clash Music
    Aug 28, 2012
    60
    It's a bold and stark opus worthy of attention, if your attention span is long enough.

See all 32 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 22
  3. Negative: 2 out of 22
  1. Lodz
    Aug 30, 2012
    10
    As young Swans they used to be regarded as provocative, multitalented and special in a way that made them a choice for minority. AlthoughAs 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
  2. BENNEB
    May 28, 2013
    10
    For an album about two hours long, the attention span for maybe an average music listener would not be that long. For The Seer, Swans have theFor an album about two hours long, the attention span for maybe an average music listener would not be that long. For The Seer, Swans have the power to make powerful music so long you can't get your mind off it. Especially their 30 minute title track, that was the torture of great music. And 93 Ave. Blues, the noise, the abuse, the ugliness, and the pain, all smashing down on your eardrums.

    All I can say, this is not for the fainted hearts. It is also not something you will get to appreciate in just a short while...but it will be epic in years to come...an epic album waiting to be heard...or if you are brave enough...it is something you must hear...if you are for the abuse and ugly...get it!    … Expand
  4. chelonia
    Mar 12, 2014
    10
    I see it all I see it all I see it all I see it all I see it all I see it all I see it all I see it all I see it all I see it all I see it allI see it all I see it all I see it all I see it all I see it all I see it all I see it all I see it all I see it all I see it all I see it all I see it all… Expand
  5. jpotz
    Nov 8, 2013
    9
    This is my first Swans album, and I'm thoroughly blown away. The endless shifts of texture, mood, and soundscapes paint a dark, grim tapestryThis is my first Swans album, and I'm thoroughly blown away. The endless shifts of texture, mood, and soundscapes paint a dark, grim tapestry to just get lost in. There are just enough clearer spots that can be considered mildly accessible, yet nowhere does Swans vision falter on this flawless journey. This album completely altered my perception on what experimental music can achieve, and will undoubtedly be heralded as a classic in the near future.… Expand
  6. All_ButTrU4
    Nov 28, 2021
    9
    redefines Swans by gathering the best of its past and re-centering the music on impulse and interplay, built with a preternatural sense of howredefines Swans by gathering the best of its past and re-centering the music on impulse and interplay, built with a preternatural sense of how long to let a section develop before moving on to the next idea… Expand
  7. kermie_the_frog
    Dec 28, 2019
    9
    Dark and gruesome introduction to Swans great rock trilogy. Not easily accessible but unquestionably brilliant.
  8. mrnice
    Jan 3, 2013
    3
    You could spend two hours with The Beatles or a symphony or an audio book and deduct some reason from the work. You could also look atYou could spend two hours with The Beatles or a symphony or an audio book and deduct some reason from the work. You could also look at concrete or black paint for two hours, or listen to Swans' The Seer, which would leave you with nothing. The latter is an evil deed, and the fruit is bitter. Your choice.… Expand

See all 22 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Best Album of 2012
54
#54 Most Discussed Album of 2012
51
#51 Most Shared Album of 2012