Various ‎– The Japanese / American Noise Treaty 2XCD

Hectic working schedule and boredom allow me no time to upload something less well-known or a meaningful review, so I'm just gonna leave here one of the most classic noise compilation of all time, and probably the greatest example of how good Relapse/Release was in comparison to the commercial metal sewer they have now become. A compilation that features giants such as Merzbow, Masonna, K2, CCCC, Hijokaidan, Incapacitants, The Haters, Macronympha, Walking Time Bombs, Cock E.S.P., Richard Ramirez, and others. 1995 double cd on Release Entertainment.

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Merzbow & Kapotte Muziek - Works 1987-1993 3Xcd

A greatly packaged compilation spanning collaborations between Merzbow and Kapotte Muziek in the late 1980s and early 1990s, featuring tracks by both outfits working together, plus standalone tracks by Merzbow working on existing recorded material by both, and the other way round (check out the details here). Given the time when this was recorded, this has a very fresh edge and a forward-thinking outlook, with elements of Merzbow-patented harsh noise, musique concrète, industrial, ambient lulling, and even hints of deadening death industrial! A definite must listen. 2012 3 X CD box set on Korm Plastics.

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Merzbow - Animal Magnetism

Don't know if sharing the same album title with Scorpions is what made Merzbow create a somewhat less fierce record than say Venereology or Pulse Demon, but this is definitely one of the most easily listenable works of the man. By easily listenable of course I don't mean anything remotely similar to what Klaus Meine, Rudolf Schenker and co. would make, but this is one of those albums in which Merzbow showcased his affection for psychedelic rock. Aside from the assaults of static, some headbangingly cool robot-gone-mad rhythmic loops can be found here, along with some moments of ebb, such as in the guitar-based final track "Pier 39". So, if some rock kido ever asks you to recommend a good Scorpions record, just give them this one to listen to. 2003 cd on Alien8 Recordings.

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