Legendary art rock ensemble Swans have been promising a follow-up to their 2012 monstrosity The Seer for some time. Now, they've finally given us some firm details.
The new record, which marks the band's 13th studio full-length overall, is called To Be Kind and arrives via Young God Records on May 13 (Mute will handle the release overseas).
The album was recorded in the last quarter of 2013 in El Paso, TX, with frontman Michael Gira producing and John Congleton sitting behind the mixing board.
The album also features guest appearances from St. Vincent (who offers her vocals on more than one song), Cold Specks, Little Annie and Bill Rieflin.
In a statement, Gira explains that the album was conceived while the band was on the road: "A good portion of the material for this album was developed live during the Swans tours of 2012/13. Much of the music was otherwise conjured in the studio environment."
To Be Kind is said to be "a little over two hours long," and will be available on triple vinyl and a deluxe double CD.
Gira said, "In addition, I am thinking of releasing it as a USB 'stick' / flashdrive (with special packaging), so that this ultimate, high quality version can be listened to from beginning to end, without interruption."
The new record, which marks the band's 13th studio full-length overall, is called To Be Kind and arrives via Young God Records on May 13 (Mute will handle the release overseas).
The album was recorded in the last quarter of 2013 in El Paso, TX, with frontman Michael Gira producing and John Congleton sitting behind the mixing board.
The album also features guest appearances from St. Vincent (who offers her vocals on more than one song), Cold Specks, Little Annie and Bill Rieflin.
In a statement, Gira explains that the album was conceived while the band was on the road: "A good portion of the material for this album was developed live during the Swans tours of 2012/13. Much of the music was otherwise conjured in the studio environment."
To Be Kind is said to be "a little over two hours long," and will be available on triple vinyl and a deluxe double CD.
Gira said, "In addition, I am thinking of releasing it as a USB 'stick' / flashdrive (with special packaging), so that this ultimate, high quality version can be listened to from beginning to end, without interruption."
