Leaving Meaning cover

Leaving Meaning

Swans · 2019

82 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock · progressive rock · post-punk

A sprawling tapestry of dark, immersive soundscapes layered with haunting vocal melodies and stark emotional resonance.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • immersive soundscapes for deep listening
  • dynamic exploration of dark themes
  • wave-like pacing with emotional weight
  • haunting melodies that linger
  • ideal for reflective solitude sessions

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking quick, catchy tracks
  • prefer upbeat, instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2019, 'Leaving Meaning' is Swans' first album after a five-year hiatus following the critically acclaimed 'To Be Kind'. The band, led by Michael Gira, continued to push their avant-garde boundaries, building on the momentum of their previous works while exploring new sonic depths. This album marks a significant moment as it was also the beginning of a new era for Swans, incorporating diverse influences and textures.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Annaline 5:13
  • 2 The Hanging Man 9:59
  • 3 Amnesia 5:51
  • 4 Leaving Meaning 10:48
  • 5 Sunfucker 10:16

Disc 2

  • 1 Hums 1:46
  • 2 Cathedrals of Heaven 7:49
  • 3 The Nub 10:33
  • 4 It's Coming It's Real 7:41
  • 5 What Is This? 6:07
  • 6 My Phantom Limb 6:18

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata