SWANS - The Beggar 2LP

Swans' magnum opus in a sense.

Swans has been around since the 80s, so to see the band still kicking now (albeit with a different lineup) and making masterpieces is nothing short of amazing. A meditation on mortality from Gira and crew that damn near brings one to tears.

It's imagery and ideas are quite striking, beautiful. This album's about the darkness of the end of life, but also the light of whatever comes after and the peace that all your struggles can be washed away from you.

Returning to the cosmos, no more hate, anger, fear, and no more love, bliss, and comfort. Ironically, that in itself is a comforting idea.

Its the best Swans has sounded since The Glowing Man, and the fact it builds off the themes of Leaving Meaning makes this feel even more rewarding.