Swans

If ever there were a musical adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road,” post-punk juggernaut Swans’ 12th record “The Seer” should be the soundtrack.

Heavy, bleak and grinding, this double album would be exhausting at 30 minutes. At nearly two hours, the desolate expanse of noise is enough to get lost in.

Despite the near-total gloomy atmosphere, “The Seer” sounds driven by ragged hope and, occasionally, moments of ecstasy.

Swans demands patience, but the payoff is often worth it.

The dogged 32-minute title track goes from grim to ghoulish before finding resolution in the bluesy stomp of follow-up “The Seer Returns.”

Legendary frontman Michael Gira sounds as ragged as ever, and his imaginative production and leadership shine bright at the record’s darkest and lightest moments.

A much-needed breath of respite, “Song For A Warrior” opens the second album with sleepy vocals from Karen O.

Standout “A Piece Of The Sky” churns along on a blues riff to end the world, then lapses into sickly sweet territory, with Gira repeatedly asking, “Are you there?”

Swans is still here, and it still rattles to the bone.

By Patrick Beane