For Swans mastermind Michael Gira had announced some time ago the end of a fixed line-up of his band, which existed in recent years. In the future, the members are to rotate.

And so there are many new guest musicians waiting on "Leaving Meaning", including members of Gira's Alternative Project, the Angels Of Light, Thor Harris, Norman Westberg, Ben Frost, The Necks, Baby Dee and Jennifer Gira.

Also on board: folk singers Anna and Maria von Hausswolff, who can be heard in the first single "It's Coming It's Real".

And it shows:Even without a permanent crew, Michael Gira and Swans put out an experimental masterpiece in 2019. Here is "Leaving Meaning".

Reviews

"'Leaving Meaning' is the band's best album since 'The Great Annihilator', and that was 24 years ago after all." (stereoplay, December 2019)

"An extremely, extremely good album!" (musikexpress)

"A miraculous transformation and a sonic revelation." (Audio, January 2020)

AllMusic rating:

Release details

Tracklist

A1 Annaline
A2 The Hanging Man
A3 Amnesia
B1 Leaving Meaning
B2 Sunfucker
C1 Hums
C2 Cathedrals Of Heaven
C3 The Nub
D1 It'S Coming It'S Real
D2 What Is This?
D3 My Phantom Limb