After descending from the lofty perch of rock that was The Smashing Pumpkins, Billy Corgan and Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin entered the new millennium with their newest creation: Zwan. Matt Sweeney of Chavez and Skunk fame joined in as guitarist, as well as David Pajo (of Slint and Tortoise) on guitars and bass.

Touring briefly in late 2001, the band gained Paz Lenchantin of A Perfect Circle on bass. By early 2002, Zwan’s live shows hinted at over 5 dozen songs in their line-up. Due to the sheer depth of musical quantity pouring out of the group, "Honestly" was released later that year through Reprise, and Mary Star of the Sea followed in January of ’03. Despite a strong start to the year -- including a five-night stand at The Smashing Pumpkins’ old nest (the Metro in Chicago) -- Zwan dissolved in September. Corgan hinted at wanting his Pumpkins back, and possibly starting a solo career as reasons for the break-up.

Sure enough, The Future Embrace – Corgan’s solo album – was released in the summer of 2005. A year later, The Smashing Pumpkins reformed and hiked off to the studio. They are expected to release their first studio album since 2000's MACHINA/The Machines of God on July 7th, 2007.