"Greed" is the second studio album by the American experimental rock band Swans, released in 1986. The album is known for its abrasive and confrontational sound, characterized by pounding rhythms, dissonant guitars, and intense vocals.
"Greed" features a mix of heavy industrial rock, post-punk, and noise music, with Swans' frontman Michael Gira delivering visceral and often disturbing lyrics. The album's sound is unrelenting and uncompromising, with tracks like "Fool" and "Money is Flesh" building to crescendos of chaotic noise and aggression.
Lyrically, "Greed" explores themes of power, corruption, and the darker aspects of human nature. Gira's lyrics are often bleak and confrontational, reflecting his disillusionment with society and his contempt for greed and exploitation.
Upon its release, "Greed" received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its raw energy and uncompromising vision, while others found its abrasive sound and nihilistic lyrics off-putting. Despite this, the album has since gained a cult following among fans of experimental and avant-garde music, and is considered a classic of the genre.
Overall, "Greed" is a challenging and confrontational album that showcases Swans' uncompromising artistic vision and their willingness to push the boundaries of rock music. With its intense soundscapes and thought-provoking lyrics, the album remains a powerful and influential work that continues to captivate and disturb listeners to this day.