Mahakali, (Kali is the feminine of kala "darkness", Maha is "great") is named after the mythical Indian goddess of death and destruction, as mentioned in the Mahabarata and other Indian epics. "The idea of a 'goddess of destruction' is one that I've cherished for a long time. Cedric (Victor, bassist and visual collaborator) mentioned Kali when we were recording because of the thematic similarities to the songs I had already written. As we progressed, everything seemed to come together around this theme of respect/reverence for strength and simultaneous repulsion/fear of power. Kali's narrative also discusses Nietzsche's old adage that 'in fighting the monster, one must be careful that one does not become the monster' which seems to be a relevant message", says Jarboe.

Mahakali is Jarboe, with her signature voice across numerous "characters". Listeners will hear metal, epic-era Swans, ambient/noise references, even orchestral instrumentation. In her characteristic collaborative method, the all-star line-up with special guest appearances by Philip Anselmo (Down, Superjoint Ritual, Pantera), Attila Csihar (Mayhem), Vinny Signorelli (Swans, Unsane) and Julia Kent (Rasputina), in addition to Josh Graham (ex-Red Sparowes, A Storm of Light) and Kevin Hufnagel(Dysrhythmia, Byla). The CD also includes spoken word recitations with collaborator Cedric Victor.

Jarboe's recorded and performed projects produce only her unique energy. She draws from a variety of charged sources, from her early exposure to snake-handling revivals in the Mississippi delta, parents who were in the FBI, her participation in a lounge act, experimental performance in gallery & live radio settings, her 14-year critically acclaimed recordings and collaboration with Swans doing worldwide concerts (clubs, theatres, festivals, live radio, TV). Her delivery can be at turns innocent, knowing, seductive, & vitriolic - contained in melodic as well as experimental compositions. A primary objective for Jarboe is to close in on the gap in the audience/performer relationship via complete submission and vicarious experience through her performance. Through visceral vocals, her repertoire includes a variety of voices from the shy schoolgirl to seductress to demon. Jarboe’s private agenda over the course of her life has been to fine tune endurance - physical, emotional, and spiritual. Through efforts in such disciplines as weight-lifting, kick boxing, mountain climbing, running, role-playing, studies in meditation and Buddhism, and her intense work with Swans, she has journeyed her body towards exhaustion specifically with the intent of rebuilding / reinventing identity and exploring the structure of persona.

Jarboe’s musical explorations have led to select comparisons to other female musicians with regard for their success in penetrating the otherwise maledominated "rock" subculture. Her work in and outside of the legendary Swans has received international critical attention and the eclectic roster of her musical collaborators includes: Michael Gira, Bill Laswell, Jim Thirlwell, Lustmord, PanSonic, Mark Spybey, Steven Severin, Chris Connelly, Alan Sparhawk, Neurosis, Edward KaSpel, William Faith, David J, David Torn, Bill Rieflin,Iva Davies, Blixa Bargeld, Kris Force, Nic Le Ban, Julia Kent, A Perfect Circle, Brian Castillo, Lary Seven, Cobalt, Byla, Jesu.