Swans - The Seer

Young God

August 28th, 2012.

2012 would become one of the pinnacle years over the course of the decade of the 2010's - a pivotal 365 days. An accumulation of up and coming acts, interesting emergences, shifts in zeitgeists, and the old faithfuls clocking in yet again cemented the year as a fruitful, fervent period in contemporary music. In one of the great late career runs, Gira and co. began a trilogy of utter savagery in fiendish, scathing style.

A quick peak at the artwork and you know you're in for a journey. Snarling, scornful, and hateful The Seer sets out to upset. Dragging you underground, feet first, hands tied around your waist, the smell of soil and torment engulfs your being - misery loves company. The process is slow and lamenting. Coming undone at the seams, The Seer is burdened with a heavy load; a load that it happily places upon your weak shoulders - can you take the weight? Your shins start to splint and your body recedes into itself - ever so slowly you are crushed to dust.

Times change, however some acts manage to remain relevant years removed from their starting point. The question arises: do the times really change at all? Or are we doomed to repeat the past into present for the remainder of time. A overhanging dread persists. Trees birth dead fruit. Rotted roots and poisoned earth. Emanating a colossal, brooding strength The Seer bolsters its being through unforgiving repetition - incremental adjustments along the way loosen and lighten the load, but for the most part an overbearing, punishing presence persists. A succinct sinister essence dwells deep within The Seer's core. Bubbling in disgust of your menial ways - looking down on your wasteful existence; godforsaken human.

The Seer is something of a spiritual experience - heavy on the body and soul. Like a rebirth from the midst of hell, the listener is slowly plunged into the depths of a crushing land. A place where nothing lives, just witnesses - no thoughts, just judgment.