This album is really growing on me.. The Seer, The Apostate, Avatar.. it is everything I liked about Tool 10,000 Days but even extended.. which is probably bad for Swans fans who like the Tool fans thought 10 and 20 minute minimalist drone meets over-ambitious math rock tracks were a bit too much. Me, I think that Grateful Dead "space" and "drums" 30 minute freak-outs are simply NOT enough, so this album speaks volumes to me..
Interestingly, I never liked Swans until this album, I always thought it was too minimalist, this album offers a bit more to my ears, more simplified variety, a better overall composition. Something more like what Radiohead could do if they had the patience to stretch it out and some better weed than what they already smoke
Yes, I know I've committed the cardinal sin of comparing an underground band to two bands so mainstream so as to border on Disney-esque corporate, but still, art is art, and it speaks for itself.