Merzbow & Arcane Device is a groundbreaking collaborative album that brings together two veteran noise artists, Merzbow (Masami Akita) and Arcane Device (David Lee Myers). Released on 29 April 2022 via Important Records, this self-titled album is a culmination of over 30 years of innovative music-making by both artists. The album features two lengthy tracks, 'Arcane Device Mixes Merzbow' and 'Merzbow Mixes Arcane Device', each a masterful reworking of the other's sounds into sculpted pieces of sonic art.
With a duration of 51 minutes, Merzbow & Arcane Device is an immersive experience that delves into the realms of drone, noise rock, experimental, free jazz, dark ambient, industrial, and avant-garde music. The album is a testament to the artists' pioneering spirit, as they push the boundaries of sound and explore new textures. David Lee Myers, aka Arcane Device, has been building electronics and creating feedback-based electronic music since the late 1970s, and his collaboration with Merzbow is a long-awaited meeting of minds.
The result is an album that is both challenging and rewarding, with each track offering a unique perspective on the other's work. 'Arcane Device Mixes Merzbow' begins with bubbly and percussive sounds, while 'Merzbow Mixes Arcane Device' showcases Merzbow's signature noise aesthetic. With its complex layers and intricate sound design, Merzbow & Arcane Device is an album that demands attention and rewards repeated listens. As a collaborative effort, it is a significant addition to the discographies of both Merzbow and Arcane Device, and a must-listen for fans of experimental and noise music.
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