{"title":"Merzbow","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAbout Merzbow\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMasami Akita, performing as Merzbow, was born in Tokyo, Japan on December 19, 1956. He launched his recording career in 1979 (the project name references Kurt Schwitters's Merzbau Dadaist art installations). He is widely cited as the most prolific and influential figure in Japanese noise music - with hundreds of full-length releases across his multi-decade catalog. His 2000 Merzbox box set contains 50 CDs of material and is widely cited as one of the most ambitious noise music releases of all time. He is involved in animal rights and veganism activism, with multiple of his albums (the 13 Japanese Birds series, for instance) addressing these themes. His foundational influence on contemporary noise music, harsh noise, power electronics, and broader experimental music is widely documented.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSound and style\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMerzbow's sound combines noise music, Japanoise, harsh noise, harsh noise wall, power electronics, dark ambient, and experimental electronic with extensive use of distorted synthesizer arrangements, contact microphones, found object manipulation, and progressively varied compositional approaches across decades. His foundational influence on contemporary noise music as a recognized genre is widely documented.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eDiscography highlights\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMetal Acoustic Music (1981, Lowest Music \u0026amp; Arts)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVenereology (1994, Relapse)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePulse Demon (1996, Release)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1930 (1998, Tzadik)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMerzbox (2000, Extreme) - 50-CD box set\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHodosan (2009, Important) - 13 Japanese Birds series\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFor collectors\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Merzbow catalog is foundational to noise music collecting. Multiple anniversary editions, color variants, and box set programs (including the Merzbox and various series box sets) have been released across his decades-long career.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhere to start\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eListeners new to Merzbow typically start with Pulse Demon (1996) or Venereology (1994). \u003cspan class=\"related-collections\"\u003eExplore more: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/industrial-noise-vinyl-records\"\u003eIndustrial\/Noise\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/experimental-vinyl-records\"\u003eExperimental \u0026amp; Oddball\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"merzbow-merzbeat-cd","title":"Merzbeat CD","description":"\u003cp\u003eNearly an hour of aggressive, psychedelic, organic analog beats!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48540751134903,"sku":"210000087524","price":16.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/s-l400-7.jpg?v=1781154127"},{"product_id":"merzbow-tauromachine-gold-vinyl","title":"Tauromachine 2LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eDouble vinyl LP pressing. Digitally remastered and expanded 25th anniversary reissue of the Japanese noise artist's legendary Tauromachine album, now remastered by James Plotkin and featuring unreleased bonus material.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48540910125239,"sku":"210000085870","price":29.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/4187114-3166363.jpg?v=1781154687"},{"product_id":"merzbow-circular-reference-color-vinyl","title":"Circular Reference 2LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eMerzbow continues his newer ventures of extreme sonic dynamics. Deluxe spot gloss varnish on textured sleeve with booklet.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48541043523767,"sku":"210000091319","price":42.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/merzbow.jpg?v=1781155194"},{"product_id":"merzbow-venereology-milky-clear-twist-vinyl","title":"Venereology 2LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eExperience the avant-garde with Merzbow's \"Venereology 2LP,\" presented on striking milky clear twist vinyl. This double LP release from Relapse label showcases the raw power and complexity of experimental sound, perfect for both collectors and sound explorers alike.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48772768104631,"sku":"210000096133","price":29.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/4242006-3165995.jpg?v=1782828153"},{"product_id":"merzbow-red-magnesia-park-black-white-vinyl","title":"Red Magnesia Park 2LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eMerzbow's Red Magnesia Park is a double LP on striking black and white vinyl. It reflects his peak experimental qualities with synthetic transmissions and harsh sounds. Audacious and essential for a deeper understanding of avant-garde noise.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785796726967,"sku":"210000104065","price":45.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/4488618-3517383.jpg?v=1783045945"},{"product_id":"merzbow-animal-magnetism-vinyl","title":"Animal Magnetism 2LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eMerzbow's \"Animal Magnetism\" is a bold 2LP release that immerses you in the chaotic beauty of Japanese noise, an essential exploration for those who appreciate the evolution of experimental sound. With tracks like \"Super Sheep\" and \"Quiet Comfort #2,\" this album unveils a complex dialogue between harsh textures and moments of subtlety, reflecting the artist's mastery in manipulation of sonic disarray. Released by Urashima, this edition revives the spirit of late 20th-century avant-garde while positioning itself firmly within the contemporary scene, demonstrating why Merzbow remains a crucial figure in the genre today.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785806065847,"sku":"210000103397","price":53.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/4492677-3526125.jpg?v=1783045973"},{"product_id":"merzbow-pulse-demon-black-ice-milky-vinyl","title":"Pulse Demon 2LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eFully remastered reissue of the legendary 1996 album\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785817141431,"sku":"210000087979","price":29.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/merzz.jpg?v=1783046000"},{"product_id":"merzbow-tsubute-mosaic-vinyl","title":"Tsubute Mosaic LP","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Tsubute Mosaic LP by Merzbow is pressed on vinyl that commands attention, connecting listeners directly to its experimental layers. This physical artifact, from Modern Obscure Music, sits boldly with striking cover art, signaling the audacity of its sound. It transforms any space into an immersive environment where avant-garde music resonates deeply.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wax Trax Records","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48785890082999,"sku":"210000095754","price":39.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0745\/5755\/4871\/files\/4312283-3125271.jpg?v=1783046206"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.waxtraxrecords.com\/collections\/merzbow.oembed","provider":"Wax Trax Records","version":"1.0","type":"link"}