Swans are an influential American post-punk band, led by singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Michael Gira.

 

Formed by Gira in 1982, the band first came to prominence as part of the New York, underground No Wave music scene of the early eighties, creating a dark and murky, slowed-down noise rock that explored themes of alienation, depression and the darker side of the human condition.

 

Swans earned much critical acclaim and a devoted following over the course of 12 studio albums, numerous live albums and EPs released during the initial run of the band which spanned the years 1984 to 1997. In early 2010 Michael Gira reactivated Swans for a new album and tour.