Swans – Omniscience (1992)

November 7, 2020

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t initially underwhelmed by Swans’ 90s output, especially coming in as a fan of the sonic destruction that was Filth, Cop, Greed etc. – Omniscience however, the live album I believe for the Love Of Life album, showcases those rigid and dark folk songs in the stretched out sprawling live incarnations one would expect from Swans.

Even the morose electronic-laden and acoustic guitar driven rock melodies that the band were peddling through this time are turned into gigantic epics. The songs feel more organic, vital and alive, and I often say that Omniscience is one of the most overlooked releases in Swans’ back catalogue, if only for giving us this completely different angle on some of the 90s stuff.

It doesn’t help that this is hideously out of print, but it can be easily found online if you are curious.