''The Great Annihilator'' is the ninth studio album by American
experimental rock band
Swans. It was released on January 23, 1995, through frontman
Michael Gira's own record label,
Young God. The album has been described by Gira as a companion album to his solo album ''
Drainland'' (1995); the two were remastered and re-released together in April 2017.
Critical reception
''The Great Annihilator'' received a generally positive reception from critics.
AllMusic called the album "an epic, incredible work of art."
''
Trouser Press'', on the other hand, wrote that the album "reveals
..that the band is running out of ideas", commenting that is "unlikely to satisfy long-term followers. A more accessible Swans may also be a less cathartic one."
Track listing
Personnel
Credits adapted from ''The Great Annihilator'' liner notes.
Swans
*
Michael Gira – vocals, guitars, sounds, art design, production
*
Jarboe – vocals, sounds, organ, keyboards
*
Bill Rieflin – drums, percussion, sounds, additional sequencing
*
Algis Kizys – bass
*
Norman Westberg – guitar
* Clinton Steele – guitar
Additional musicians
*
Ted Parsons – drums
(tracks 3, 4, and 15)
* John Sarfell – piano
(track 9)
*
Nicky Skopelitis – guitar
(track 9)
Technical personnel
*
Martin Atkins
Martin Clive Atkins (born 3 August 1959) is an English drummer and session musician, best known for his work in post-punk and industrial groups including Public Image Ltd, Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, Pigface, and Killing Joke. He also works as ...
– additional mastering, drums
(tracks 8)
*
Martin Bisi – engineering, mixing
*
Bryce Goggin
Bryce Goggin is an American record producer and sound engineer. His career began in the early 1990s, working at Baby Monster Studios. He first received note for mixing the album ''Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain'' by Pavement. He has since worked with ...
– engineering
* Larry Seven – engineering, double bass
(track 16)
* Scott Ramsayer – engineering, additional sequencing
* Fred Breitberg – engineering
* Van Christie – engineering
* Jay O'Rourke – mastering
*
Doug Henderson – remastering
* Jim Marcus – additional sequencing
* Mark Falls – layout
*
Phil Puleo
Phil Puleo (born September 27, 1963) is an American composer, drummer, illustrator and visual artist from New York. He is known as a founding member of the band Cop Shoot Cop in the 1990s, and for his current involvement in the experimental rock ...
– artwork
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Great Annihilator, The
1995 albums
Swans (band) albums
Young God Records albums
Albums produced by Michael Gira