The American experimental rock band Swans has just put out their latest album, “Birthing,” and it’s making waves! Dropping today, this is their seventeenth studio album, and it’s a big one—packed with eight tracks that take you on a wild ride. It’s out now through Mute and Young God Records, available on triple vinyl, double CD, and online.
Swans, led by singer and guitarist Michael Gira, are known for their loud, intense, and out-of-the-box sound. “Birthing” started as simple guitar ideas Gira worked on at home, but it grew into something huge over a year of touring in 2023 and 2024. Songs like “The Healers,” “I Am a Tower,” and the title track “Birthing” came to life on the road, while two others—”Red Yellow” and “The Merge”—were cooked up fresh in the studio. The band recorded it in Berlin, and Gira says it’s the last time they’ll go all-out with this giant sound.
The album’s first song, “I Am a Tower,” is a 19-minute beast that fans are already raving about online. It’s slow, heavy, and pulls you in with its creepy, hypnotic vibe. Other tracks like “Rope” and “Away” keep that big, moody feel Swans are famous for. Gira worked with a talented crew, including longtime bandmates like Kristof Hahn on steel guitar and Phil Puleo on drums, plus some guest singers and players to mix things up.
Birthing Tracklist
- The Healers
- I Am a Tower
- Birthing
- Red Yellow
- Guardian Spirit
- The Merge
- (Rope) Away