Swans - Children Of God

Children Of God is the fifth studio album by American experimental rock band Swans, originally released in October 1987 via Caroline.

Swans are an American experimental rock band formed in 1982 by singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Michael Gira. One of few acts to emerge from the New York City-based no wave scene and stay intact into the next decade, Swans have become recognized for an ever-changing sound, exploring genres such as noise rock, post-punk, industrial and post-rock. Initially, their music was known for its sonic brutality and misanthropic lyrics.

Following the addition of singer, songwriter and keyboardist Jarboe in 1986, Swans began to incorporate melody and intricacy into their music.

Holy Money (1986) was the first album to feature Jarboe on lead vocals, and was the first to incorporate acoustic elements, in particular, the eight-minute dirge "Another You", which starts with a bluesy harmonica introduction. It also marks the introduction of religious themes in Swans records with the sacrificial ode "A Hanging", complete with gospel-like backing vocals from Jarboe.

Children of God (1987) further expanded Jarboe's role, acting as a foil to Michael Gira's tales of suffering, torture and humiliation. The stories portrayed here, however, are ever the more unusual, given their juxtaposition (and admixture) with religious imagery. The intention was neither to mock nor embrace religion, but experiment with the power inherent in its messages and the hypocrisy of many of its leaders.

Some songs, such as "Beautiful Child", retain the vocal style of earlier days. The almost baroque "In My Garden", added an extra dimension with piano (used before on "Fool" and "Sealed in Skin" to far grimmer effect) and acoustic guitar. In between the two poles, there are pieces like "Sex, God, Sex" (heavy metal-like bass riffs with blues and gospel-inspired singing), "Blood and Honey" (a murder ballad with early post-rock tendencies) and "Blind Love". Gira considers this album to be the band's major turning point.

This double album 2LP record set is a 2020 reissue on black vinyl housed in a gatefold sleeve with printed inner sleeves, download code for the live album ‘Feel Good Now’, and remastered audio, pressed in Europe via Young Gods Records and BMG.