Editing Swans (band) (section)

==Musical style and legacy==
[[File:Swans @ Stylus, Leeds University 5-4-2013 (8624010609).jpg|thumb|right|225px|Gira performing with Swans at Stylus, [[University of Leeds]] in April 2013]]
Swans' music has transformed greatly over the decades, but is typically dark<ref name="trebleguide">{{cite web|url=http://www.treblezine.com/beginners-guide-swans/|title=Beginner's Guide: Swans|first=Jeff|last=Terich|date=September 26, 2013|publisher=Treblezine|access-date=March 7, 2017}}</ref><ref name="Columbus" /> and "[[apocalypse|apocalyptic]]",<ref name="guareview">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/apr/05/swans-review|title=Swans – review|first=Ian|last=Gittins|date=April 5, 2013|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=March 7, 2017}}</ref> often focusing on themes of [[Power (social and political)|power]], [[religion]], [[human sexuality|sex]] and [[death]],<ref name="stereogum">{{cite web|url=http://www.stereogum.com/1197001/swans-albums-from-worst-to-best/|title=Swans Albums From Worst To Best|first=Aaron|last=Lariviere|website=[[Stereogum]]|date=November 9, 2012|access-date=March 7, 2017}}</ref> and has been most generally associated with [[experimental rock]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/20-rock-albums-that-turn-20-in-2016-20160616/sublime-sublime-20160616|title=20 Rock Albums Turning 20 in 2016|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=June 16, 2016|access-date=February 14, 2017}}</ref><ref name="courant">{{cite news|url=http://www.courant.com/entertainment/music/hc-ctn-qa-with-michael-gira-of-swans-0703-20140703-story.html|title=Michael Gira Explains Why Drones Are Central To The Sound Of Swans|last=Hamad|first=Michael|newspaper=[[Hartford Courant]]|date=June 26, 2014|access-date=March 7, 2017}}</ref> According to [[Spin (magazine)|''Spin'']], the band demonstrates "unparalleled ability to translate the absurd violence of the [[human condition]] into music that’s as intoxicating as it is intense."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.spin.com/2016/06/review-swans-the-glowing-man/|title=Review: Swans' Actual Swan Song Is a Cloud of Unknowing on 'The Glowing Man'|last=Camp|first=Zoe|magazine=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|date=June 21, 2016|access-date=March 20, 2017|archive-date=April 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404172323/http://www.spin.com/2016/06/review-swans-the-glowing-man/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Their early work, rooted in the [[New York City]]-based [[no wave]] movement which was fading out by the time of their formation in 1982,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.factmag.com/2014/03/10/a-beginners-guide-to-no-wave/|title=A Beginner's Guide to No Wave, New York's middle finger to the world|last=Calvert|first=John|magazine=[[Fact (UK magazine)|FACT Magazine]]|date=March 10, 2014|access-date=February 15, 2017|archive-date=August 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812021608/http://www.factmag.com/2014/03/10/a-beginners-guide-to-no-wave/|url-status=live}}</ref> is extremely aggressive, characterized by Michael Gira as "stripping down the essential elements of what we consider to be [[rock music]]".<ref name="ltw">{{cite web|url=http://louderthanwar.com/swans-in-depth-interview-with-michael-gira/|title=Swans : in depth interview with Michael Gira|publisher=[[Louder Than War (website)|Louder Than War]]|date=February 10, 2013|access-date=March 7, 2017}}</ref> ''[[The Guardian]]'' described it as "a cacophonous rhythmic throb which drew on [[post-punk]], [[industrial music|industrial]], [[doom metal]], NYC [[avant-garde music|avant]] [[minimal music|minimalism]] and the [[blues]]; a sound which was matched by Gira's often [[nihilism|nihilistic]], [[anti-natalist]] and [[existential]] lyrical concerns ... delivered in a stentorian and [[Messiah|messianic]] manner."<ref name="guard">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/dec/04/enduring-love-why-swans-are-more-vital-now-than-ever|title=Enduring Love: why Swans are more vital now than ever|first=John|last=Doran|date=December 4, 2015|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=March 7, 2017}}</ref> It was a contribution to both industrial music<ref>[[Simon Reynolds|Reynolds, Simon]] (2005). ''Rip It Up and Start Again: Postpunk 1978–1984.'' (Page 487) London: Faber and Faber. {{ISBN|0-571-21569-6}}</ref> and [[noise rock]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Noise-Rock|url=http://www.allmusic.com/style/noise-rock-ma0000004455|website=AllMusic|access-date=March 7, 2017|archive-date=June 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120602052658/http://www.allmusic.com/style/noise-rock-ma0000004455|url-status=live}}</ref> and influenced the emergence of [[grindcore]]<ref>Mudrian, Albert (2000). ''Choosing Death: The Improbable History of Death Metal and Grindcore.'' (Page 35) Feral House. {{ISBN|1-932595-04-X}}</ref> (inspiring also the use of "grind" in musical context)<ref>Mudrian, Adrian 2004, page 35.</ref> and [[sludge metal]].<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The 10 essential sludge metal albums|url=http://teamrock.com/feature/2016-10-12/the-10-essential-sludge-metal-albums|last=Chantler|first=Chris|magazine=[[Metal Hammer]]|date=October 12, 2016|access-date=January 11, 2017|archive-date=March 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320183457/http://teamrock.com/feature/2016-10-12/the-10-essential-sludge-metal-albums|url-status=live}}</ref> Later in the 1980s, Swans' music began to incorporate more melodic and intricate elements, especially since Jarboe's debut as a songwriter on 1987's ''[[Children of God (Swans album)|Children of God]]''.<ref name="AMbio">{{cite web|title=Swans – Biography|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/swans-mn0000034988/biography|last=Jurek|first=Thom|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=February 13, 2017}}</ref> While generally maintaining much [[Consonance and dissonance|dissonance]], the band's subsequent work further ventured into genres such as post-punk,<ref name="PPcorn">{{cite web|url=http://ppcorn.com/us/2014/10/02/swans-wave-act-survived/|title=Swans: The Only No Wave Act That Survived|first=Peter|last=Foy|work=PPcorn|date=October 2, 2014|access-date=February 14, 2017|archive-date=August 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809172454/http://ppcorn.com/us/2014/10/02/swans-wave-act-survived/|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[gothic rock]],<ref name="trebleguide" /> [[neofolk]],<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/features/articles/freaking-folk-out-swans-early-90s-classics-rediscovered|title=Freaking folk out: Swans' early 90s classics rediscovered|first=Tamlin|last=Magee|date=December 4, 2015|magazine=The Line of Best Fit|access-date=March 7, 2017}}</ref> [[psychedelic rock]]<ref name="stereogum" /> and [[art rock]].<ref name="guareview" /> Their final album before breaking up, 1996's ''[[Soundtracks for the Blind]]'', is a [[double album]] which emphasizes atmosphere, branching into [[post-rock]],<ref name="trebleguide" /><ref name="stereogum" /> [[drone music|drone]]<ref name="magnet">{{cite web|url=http://www.magnetmagazine.com/2016/08/16/magnet-classics-the-making-of-swans-soundtracks-for-the-blind/|title=The Making of Swans' ''Soundtracks for the Blind''|first=A.D.|last=Amorosi|date=August 16, 2016|publisher=[[Magnet (magazine)|Magnet]]|access-date=March 7, 2017}}</ref> and [[dark ambient]].<ref name="magnet" /> Since re-forming in 2010, they have continued to be associated with post-rock<ref name="Columbus">{{cite web|url=http://www.columbusalive.com/content/stories/2013/07/18/staff-pick-swans-grueling-post-rock-will-send-you-reeling.html|title=Staff Pick: Swans' grueling post-rock will send you reeling|publisher=[[Columbus Alive]]|date=July 17, 2013|access-date=November 17, 2016|archive-date=November 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117063710/http://www.columbusalive.com/content/stories/2013/07/18/staff-pick-swans-grueling-post-rock-will-send-you-reeling.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="PPcorn" /> and drone music<ref name="courant" /> as well as noise rock.<ref name="AMbio" /> The double albums from the latest years, which have brought them widespread critical acclaim, often feature long songs that develop complex soundscapes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/21994-the-glowing-man/|title=Swans: ''The Glowing Man''|first=Saby|last=Reyes-Kulkarni|website=Pitchfork|date=June 21, 2016|access-date=March 3, 2017}}</ref>

Swans have been cited as an influence by a variety of rock and [[extreme metal]] musicians, including members of <!-- sorted chronologically by year of formation --> [[Napalm Death]],<ref name="napalm death">{{cite web|title=Napalm Death interview|url=http://askearache.blogspot.com/2010/04/napalm-deaths-tributescovers-of-other.html|website=Ask Earache|date=April 6, 2010|access-date=September 9, 2017|archive-date=September 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909233241/http://askearache.blogspot.com/2010/04/napalm-deaths-tributescovers-of-other.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Godflesh]],<ref name="broadrick intervew">{{cite web|title=Broadrick interview|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/justin-broadrick-on-the-secret-history-of-godflesh/|website=Noisey|date=July 8, 2014|access-date=September 9, 2017|archive-date=September 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909234138/https://noisey.vice.com/en_us/article/6vajmr/justin-broadrick-on-the-secret-history-of-godflesh|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Melvins]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.markprindle.com/kingbuzzo-i.htm|title=Buzz Osborne interview|website=www.markprindle.com|access-date=April 20, 2019|archive-date=March 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302011443/http://www.markprindle.com/kingbuzzo-i.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Neurosis (band)|Neurosis]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2016/nov/03/neurosis-crass-bands-anarcho-punk-steve-von-till|title=Neurosis: 'Crass were the mother of all bands'|first=Alex|last=Deller|newspaper=The Guardian|date=November 3, 2016|access-date=April 19, 2019|via=www.theguardian.com|archive-date=November 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129004419/https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2016/nov/03/neurosis-crass-bands-anarcho-punk-steve-von-till|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Treponem Pal]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leseternels.net/interviews.aspx?id=152|title=Interview: Treponem Pal |website= leseternels.net|date=February 25, 2008|access-date=March 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100616132048/http://www.leseternels.net/interviews.aspx?id=152|archive-date=June 16, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/features/kurt-cobains-50-favourite-albums/|title=Kurt Cobain's 50 Favourite Albums|website=Kerrang|access-date=June 5, 2019|archive-date=April 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406070804/https://www.kerrang.com/features/kurt-cobains-50-favourite-albums/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Tool (band)|Tool]],<ref name="Tool">{{cite web|title=Morello interview|url=https://consequence.net/2016/10/maynard-james-keenan-details-how-tool-and-rage-against-the-machine-formed-in-new-biography/|website=Consequence of Sound|date=October 25, 2016|access-date=September 9, 2017}}</ref> [[My Dying Bride]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.releasemagazine.net/Spotlight/spotlightmydyingbride.htm|title=My Dying Bride – Release Music Magazine Spotlight|website=www.releasemagazine.net|access-date=October 8, 2017|archive-date=May 11, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060511232325/http://www.releasemagazine.net/Spotlight/spotlightmydyingbride.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Isis (band)|Isis]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.peek-a-boo-magazine.be/en/interviews/aaron-turner-sumac-isis-mamiffer-2019/|title=AARON TURNER (SUMAC, ISIS, MAMIFFER...) – interview by Peek-A-Boo magazine|website=www.peek-a-boo-magazine.be}}</ref> [[Weakling]],<ref name="weakling">{{cite web|title=Weakling interview|url=http://www.maelstromzine.com/ezine/interview_iss25_165.php|website=maelstromzine|access-date=September 9, 2017|archive-date=February 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212015131/http://www.maelstromzine.com/ezine/interview_iss25_165.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Leviathan (musical project)|Leviathan]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.maelstromzine.com/ezine/interview_iss5_61.php|title=Interview with LEVIATHAN :: Maelstrom :: Issue No 5|website=www.maelstromzine.com|access-date=April 18, 2019|archive-date=February 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212015128/http://www.maelstromzine.com/ezine/interview_iss5_61.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Natural Snow Buildings]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=OndaRock.com- Interwiews |url=https://www.ondarock.com/interview/naturalsnowbuildings |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=www.ondarock.com}}</ref> [[Khanate (band)|Khanate]],<ref name="khanate">{{cite web|title=Khanate interview|url=http://www.cosmiclava.com/reviews-interviews/interviews/2001/khanate.html|website=cosmiclava|access-date=September 9, 2017}}</ref> [[Liturgy (band)|Liturgy]],<ref name="Liturgy (band)|Liturgy">{{cite web|title=Liturgy interview|url=http://www.spinner.com/2011/03/03/liturgy-sxsw-top-100/|access-date=April 13, 2018|archive-date=September 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918115145/http://www.spinner.com/2011/03/03/liturgy-sxsw-top-100/|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Vision Eternel]],<ref name="TheObeliskInterview">{{Cite web |last=Koczan |first=JJ |date=September 16, 2020 |title=Six Dumb Questions with Vision Eternel |url=https://theobelisk.net/obelisk/2020/09/16/vision-eternel-for-farewell-of-nostalgia-sdq |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916162607/https://theobelisk.net/obelisk/2020/09/16/vision-eternel-for-farewell-of-nostalgia-sdq |archive-date=September 16, 2020 |access-date=July 12, 2023 |website=The Obelisk |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="MetalTempleTriskalyonInterview">{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Dave |date=January 11, 2023 |title=Triskalyon's Alexander Julien Interview |url=http://www.metal-temple.com/site/catalogues/entry/musicians/triskalyon-s-alexander.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111175106/http://www.metal-temple.com/site/catalogues/entry/musicians/triskalyon-s-alexander.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |access-date=July 12, 2023 |website=Metal Temple |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Car Seat Headrest]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.whatthesound.com/interviews/car-seat-headrest/|title=Car Seat Headrest|website=What The Sound|language=en-US|date=August 4, 2015|access-date=January 18, 2019|archive-date=June 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614034242/https://www.whatthesound.com/interviews/car-seat-headrest|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Full of Hell (band)|Full of Hell]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pessaro |first=Fred |date=2014-09-16 |title=Old Souls with Piercing Noise: Stream the New Full of Hell / Merzbow Collaboration |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/full-of-hell-gordian-stream/ |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Vice |language=en |archive-date=November 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112203333/https://www.vice.com/en/article/rq7nvr/full-of-hell-gordian-stream |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Sprain (band)|Sprain]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=goodalbumfriday |date=2020-08-10 |title=Interview: Sprain |url=https://goodalbumfriday.com/2020/08/10/interview-sprain/ |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Good Album Friday |language=en-US}}</ref>