Swans, the avant-garde industrial rock band, presents "Children of God / World of Skin," a monumental double album released in 2003 under the Mute label. Spanning an impressive 2 hours and 17 minutes, this sprawling collection of 28 tracks is a testament to the band's experimental prowess and their unique blend of genres, including noise rock, post-rock, neofolk, industrial, and art rock.
Originally released as separate albums in 1996 and 1997, "Children of God" and "World of Skin" were later combined into this comprehensive collection. The album features a mix of raw, intense tracks like "Sex, God, Sex" and "Blood and Honey," showcasing Swans' signature heavy, drone-like sound, as well as more atmospheric and experimental pieces such as "In My Garden" and "Breathing Water." The album also includes a bonus track, "The Center of Your Heart," adding an extra layer of depth to this already expansive release.
"Children of God / World of Skin" is a pivotal work in Swans' discography, marking a significant turning point in their musical evolution. The album's bleak and intense soundscapes, coupled with its experimental approach, make it a standout release in the industrial and avant-garde genres. Whether you're a long-time fan of Swans or a newcomer to their unique sound, this album offers a compelling journey through the band's sonic landscape.