Merzbow's latest offering, Animal Liberation - Until Every Cage is Empty, is a sonically intense and thought-provoking album that defies genre boundaries. Released on 20 May 2022 via Cold Spring, this 49-minute aural assault is a testament to Merzbow's innovative approach to music.
The album's tracklist, comprising 'No Cages - Part 1', 'No Cages - Part 2', 'No Cages - Part 3', 'No Cages - Part 4', and 'Baby Bird', is a masterclass in experimentation, blending elements of drone, noise rock, and free jazz to create a dark ambient soundscape. Industrial and avant-garde influences also permeate the record, adding to its complexity and depth.
Merzbow's unique sound is both challenging and captivating, pushing the listener to confront the themes of liberation and confinement that underpin the album. With Animal Liberation - Until Every Cage is Empty, Merzbow delivers a powerful statement that is as much a reflection of the world around us as it is a product of his own innovative spirit. This album is a must-listen for fans of experimental music and those willing to venture into the uncharted territories of sound that Merzbow so boldly explores.