Michael Gira & Kristof Hahn (SWANS)

Michael Gira and Kristof Hahn represent two of the most forward-thinking individuals in experimental rock and heavy music, Gira as the founder and Hahn as a long-tenured member of Swans. While the full band has performed at Roadburn before, this duo set comprised of the two musicians will provide an opportunity to showcase a different side of their personalities. 

Gira and Hahn’s performance at Roadburn this year will serve as a more intimate showing than one would typically get from a full-band Swans performance. In many ways, the stripping back of things allows attendees to get a more clear picture of the inner workings of a deeply-revered act. Though Gira is tight-lipped about what we should expect from their set, we have our fingers crossed that we might hear something new—a reinterpretation of familiar music or a hint at what new Swans might sound like.

With music released in three decades – music that has influenced many musicians to have graced the Roadburn stage – Gira and Hahn are sure to perform a set that surprises and captivates. It’s been the band’s modus operandi since they began and they have a vast body of work to support it. The only thing to do now is wait and see what Michael Gira and Kristof Hahn have in store for the festival

– Emily Bellino

Photo by Enriko Boettcher