The Rock Blogger

Jarboe/Justin K Broadrick. J2. 2008. 2.5 stars.

When I first heard that Justin Broadrick (of Jesu and Godflesh fame) was collaborating with Swans vocalist Jarboe on a new EP, I was thrilled. Broadrick’s knack for crafting haunting and powerful drones and serene shoegaze riffs, along with Jarboe’s chillingly beautiful soprano voice, seemed like a match made in post-metal heaven. Unfortunately, after trying my damnedest to get into this record, I find myself being immensely disappointed, knowing that both artists have accomplished so much more in the past.

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Swans. White Light From the Mouth of Infinity. 1991 4 Stars.

A dark gem from New York’s industrial/metal underground, Swan’s White Light From the Mouth of Infinity was the band’s magnum opus, weaving majestic melodies with bleak and heavy lyrical themes. These existential beatings ruminate in despair, hopelessness and failure as Micheal Gira’s sorrowful baritone growls across the pounding percussion and stunningly intricate, Far-Eastern-inspired guitar work. Jarboe, Swans’ accompanying female singer, provides beautiful vocal harmonies that will send chills down your spine, rounding out the ethereal spirit of the album.

“Power and Sacrifice”, “Love will Save You” and “Song for Dead Time” are among the most artful and lyrically nihilistic tracks, spinning tales of self-loathing, remorse and loss, fitting with the band’s perpetual tug-of-war with religiosity- evoking the power of a distant God, seeking reconciliation and redemption.

The emotional and instrumental gravitas of this record will definitely appeal to those interested in industrial or Gothic (counter) culture or even those who find comfort in the grievances of Joy Division, The Doors and The Tea Party. Again, this is a very dark and depressing work but that is where its beauty lies - in the band’s ability to reflect their innermost troubles through poetic intensity. Where most rock bands try to convey emotion through sheer volume, Swans create terror through their compositional and avant-garde sensibilities.