Merzbow

Merzbow, the alias of Japan's Masami Akita, is a pioneering figure in noise music with over 500 albums under his belt. Beginning in 1980, Akita's unique blend of tape manipulations, metal percussion, and live industrial electronics set him apart in the noise music scene. His collaborations with various artists, such as Boris and Keiji Haino, have further expanded his sonic repertoire. Akita's continuous output, including the monumental Merzbox 50-CD box set, showcases his relentless creativity and experimentation.

Born in Tokyo in 1956, Masami Akita's early exposure to psychedelic rock and free jazz laid the foundation for his groundbreaking noise music career. Starting his own cassette label in 1980, Akita's harsh noise artistry evolved over the years, culminating in numerous solo and collaborative releases that have solidified his status as a noise music legend. Embracing a wide range of influences and collaborators, Akita's prolific output and boundary-pushing approach have cemented his place as a key figure in the experimental music landscape.