Harsh Noise (you should go listen to) [18+]

This is a list of Harsh Noise releases that I would consider to be notable for people looking to get into the genre. This is not fully comprehensive and some releases have a few different artists split collaborating on them that I missed in credits.

For your sake, if you are new to noise or have noise sensitivity, turn your volume to the lowest setting when you look these up. Some feature very high pitched or loud noises.

This post is labeled 18+ because some of the album covers and names have nsfw themes.

1. Merzbow - Pulse Demon (1996)

This is the standard. Possibly the most recognizable album in harsh noise. Personally I don't think this is the best Merzbow release, just the most iconic.

2. Spectrum Ripper - Masonna (1997)

Please note that the album cover for this release is nsfw. Masonna, like many other noise artists, uses heavier themes across his work. This is also reflected in the name of the next album on this list.

3. Ejaculation Generater - Masonna (1996)

Masonna is also known for adding distorted vocal screaming.

+

Annihilationism - Masonna / Prurient (2022)

This is a Split between Masonna and Prurient. Not exactly a very popular release compared to the others (and is definitely more recent). However, I enjoy it enough to have to put it somewhere on this blog.

4. PINK - Boris (2005)

A perfect mix of power electronics, instrumental noise, and experimental ambience. This would probably be the easiest album to start on out of this entire list if you aren't used to listening to something consistentently loud.

+

04092001 and 2R0I2P0 - Boris with Merzbow

Any collaboration with both of them is worth listening to.

5. Frozen Niagra Falls - Prurient (2015)

Noise ambience with the occasional ambient synth.

6. The Gerogerigegege - Tokyo Anal Dynamite (1990)

There is a really great mini documentary video about the Gerogerigegege on Youtube (I recommend watching) that shows the interesting history of the controversial album, Showa (1989) and how they gained some popularity. While they are known for noise... and nsfw themes during performances or promotional material (similar to Masonna) they also have some punk influence in their work.

There are a lot more artists lurking around making similar work. You can find them by looking around forums and communities for harsh noise, experimental, drone, power electronics, noise ambient, japanoise. These are just some of the commonly known favorites that I have listened to and thought would be cool to share. Thank you for reading!