Merzbow's latest offering, Beetle, is a sonic behemoth that defies conventions and pushes the boundaries of experimental music. Released on 18 February 2022 via Slowdown Records, this 46-minute aural assault is a masterclass in drone, noise rock, and avant-garde soundscapes.
The album's four tracks, titled 14-11-1825, 14-11-946, 14-11-949, and 14-12-1258, are a testament to Merzbow's innovative approach to music, blending elements of free jazz, dark ambient, and industrial to create a truly unique listening experience. With Beetle, Merzbow invites listeners to immerse themselves in a world of unbridled creativity, where the rules of traditional music are gleefully discarded in favour of unapologetic experimentation. The result is an album that is as challenging as it is rewarding, a true tour-de-force from one of the most innovative and respected figures in the world of experimental music.