It received a mixed reception and was a commercial disappointment; the band was dropped from the record label following its poor performance.

Due to Uni's insistence, Swans leader Michael Gira co-produced the album with bass guitarist Bill Laswell.

[1][2] During the recording sessions Swans consisted of Gira on vocals and guitar, keyboardist/singer Jarboe and guitarist Norman Westberg.

[10] Despite Gira's reservations about the record, the track "God Damn The Sun" has remained a favourite in his solo performances.

[11] Gira also rehired guitarist Nicky Skopelitis and brought along drummer Anton Fier, both Laswell stalwarts, for the Swans albums White Light From the Mouth of Infinity (1991) and The Great Annihilator (1995).

"[14] Rosemary Passatino of Spin praised the album, commenting: "Shockingly, Burning World is unbashedly pretty as it is dark."