Also posted this on the Scream & Writhe forum but since the first suggestions were Freak Animal already I feel this might be appropriate to share here too. Note, also after recommendations are here I would like to continue this topic through reviews, thoughts etc., not to make it another topic that ends abruptly.
At a recent Noise evening with various mostly Dutch artists I realised my love for Harsh Noise again not only because of its cathartic effect which helps me cope with rebuilding myself and healing from 5 years being controlled on what to do and even what to like but also because I feel it really well.
With The Nocturnal Library mail order and archive I'd like to therefore share a continuing collection of Harsh Noise releases both old and new to inspire others and share great works. Therefore my question to you is what is essential Harsh Noise to you? And it can be a wide interpretation as there of course Power Electronics but also from the other side Tape Music kinda artists who have that edge.
Feel free to send me recommendations of artists, releases, labels and I'll make a selection.
This topic is a good start if you want to explore the classics;
https://special-interests.net/forum/index.php?topic=3724.msg31670#msg31670
Quote from: impulse manslaughter on July 31, 2026, 11:39:25 PMThis topic is a good start if you want to explore the classics;
https://special-interests.net/forum/index.php?topic=3724.msg31670#msg31670
Yes, that's a great topic, thanks for reminding me. I'll dig in more, order more releases and build a nice collection of releases in my archive as well as mail order. Thank you
Am not sure if you are asking about current essential or now classic essential. I guess the former since you mentioned mail-order, but if the latter, and if you havent checked it already :
https://rateyourmusic.com/list/mkrasna/one_hundred_essential_noise_releases_as_recommended_by_joe_roemer__macronympha_/
Also if you can find : One Hundred Essential Noise Releases as Recommended by Tommy Carlsson (Treriksröset) , in Shocktilt #2 zine. Someone had compiled a Discogs list for it, but it's not there anymore.
Quote from: Theodore on August 01, 2026, 02:43:52 PMAm not sure if you are asking about current essential or now classic essential. I guess the former since you mentioned mail-order, but if the latter, and if you havent checked it already :
https://rateyourmusic.com/list/mkrasna/one_hundred_essential_noise_releases_as_recommended_by_joe_roemer__macronympha_/
Also if you can find : One Hundred Essential Noise Releases as Recommended by Tommy Carlsson (Treriksröset) , in Shocktilt #2 zine. Someone had compiled a Discogs list for it, but it's not there anymore.
In a way I meant both classic essential and current Harsh Noise because as for the mail order this could include essential artists as well as new reissues of classics too. The list(s) as well as that last one I'll try to find look interesting. Plenty to check out still.
I think I'd concentrate on artists more than releases. Hum of the Druid, Stimbox, Knurl, Tourette, Nebris, Green Tea, Kjostad... People who do consistently great work.
Quote from: Zeno Marx on August 04, 2026, 06:16:00 PMI think I'd concentrate on artists more than releases. Hum of the Druid, Stimbox, Knurl, Tourette, Nebris, Green Tea, Kjostad... People who do consistently great work.
Yes, that's also pretty much the idea. I'll receive a few boxes from Tesco Organisation and Freak Animal this week and based on the artists I like the most of those releases will continue collecting and stocking releases.
Quote from: Zeno Marx on August 04, 2026, 06:16:00 PMI think I'd concentrate on artists more than releases. Hum of the Druid, Stimbox, Knurl, Tourette, Nebris, Green Tea, Kjostad... People who do consistently great work.
Yes indeed, I think this could be even topic of its own. Like... would PULSE DEMON be such a classic album, if it was just that album, and it would not be part of the larger body of work? I feel that this album as stand alone album if nice, but it is not phenomenal by any means. When you think it as sort of purified synth noise album within discography of Merzbow, is suddenly has different meaning.
There is pretty much none of noise artists where one album would be way more essential than having handful of albums. Most often handful of albums reveal the strength and put single albums into perspective.
Quote from: FreakAnimalFinland on August 05, 2026, 10:21:15 AMQuote from: Zeno Marx on August 04, 2026, 06:16:00 PMI think I'd concentrate on artists more than releases. Hum of the Druid, Stimbox, Knurl, Tourette, Nebris, Green Tea, Kjostad... People who do consistently great work.
Yes indeed, I think this could be even topic of its own. Like... would PULSE DEMON be such a classic album, if it was just that album, and it would not be part of the larger body of work? I feel that this album as stand alone album if nice, but it is not phenomenal by any means. When you think it as sort of purified synth noise album within discography of Merzbow, is suddenly has different meaning.
There is pretty much none of noise artists where one album would be way more essential than having handful of albums. Most often handful of albums reveal the strength and put single albums into perspective.
Yes I agree and I very much aim to dive into specific artist's but also label discographies more if I find them especially to my liking and worthwhile. I don't intend to make any kind of "1000 essential Harsh Noise records" list but rather more a continuous selection of artists and labels I find worthwhile.
Macronympha's earliest to mid 90s titles seem to always come to mind, especially albums like Notes From The Underground, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Whorechestra, ect. Those are perfect or near perfect harsh noise albums in my opinion. Mid 90s especially seemed to be a stellar year for Macronympha, a lot great titles! They generally come to mind as "essential" harsh noise.
For me it's ENTRE VIFS and early LE SYNDICAT.
Quote from: Cranial Blast on August 07, 2026, 03:52:26 AMMacronympha's earliest to mid 90s titles seem to always come to mind, especially albums like Notes From The Underground, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Whorechestra, ect. Those are perfect or near perfect harsh noise albums in my opinion. Mid 90s especially seemed to be a stellar year for Macronympha, a lot great titles! They generally come to mind as "essential" harsh noise.
Yeah, I've listened to some Macronympha, not specifically those ones but still have to dig in more. So far I noticed they do have a nicely grinding sound, a lot of crunch, nice.
Quote from: wilst-de on August 07, 2026, 11:36:22 AMFor me it's ENTRE VIFS and early LE SYNDICAT.
I know those names, but again didn't listen yet, will check out.
Quote from: NocturnalLibrary on August 08, 2026, 12:32:16 PMQuote from: wilst-de on August 07, 2026, 11:36:22 AMFor me it's ENTRE VIFS and early LE SYNDICAT.
I know those names, but again didn't listen yet, will check out.
Bloody hell, please listen as soon as you can. Noise legends.
Quote from: Andrew McIntosh on August 08, 2026, 04:46:45 PMQuote from: NocturnalLibrary on August 08, 2026, 12:32:16 PMQuote from: wilst-de on August 07, 2026, 11:36:22 AMFor me it's ENTRE VIFS and early LE SYNDICAT.
I know those names, but again didn't listen yet, will check out.
Bloody hell, please listen as soon as you can. Noise legends.
Yes, I'll check them out soon!
Gonna unwrap a recent FA order with these releases today:
DIETER MUH / MNEM "atomyriades" cd
UMPIO "Opium Electronics vol IV"-cdr
TOURETTE "Brule Mon Ame. Broie Mon Corps; Remodele-Moi A L'image D'un Chien"-cd
BLACK STATE "Hlose" cd
VEPRISUICIDA "Blednozheleznaja Devstvennica"-cd
AARON DILLOWAY / JEPH JERMAN "casual collision" cd
SEWER ELECTION "antarktis" cd
EDGE OF DECAY "Haute Couture" tape
A varied mix and I think another nice journey of discovery.
After unwrapping I also found the latest Freak Animal International compilation CD added inside for free. Neat, I had actually forgotten FA includes them with orders so it was a nice surprise. More new artists to discover!
Nice order.
As for essential noise, do not forget the other Swedes; not as crazy active as our brothers and sisters in Finland, but still damn nice - Treriksröset, Ochu, Organ of Corti, Hingst, just to name a few standout artists.
Quote from: Krigsverk on August 11, 2026, 01:45:59 PMNice order.
As for essential noise, do not forget the other Swedes; not as crazy active as our brothers and sisters in Finland, but still damn nice - Treriksröset, Ochu, Organ of Corti, Hingst, just to name a few standout artists.
Thanks, looking forward to digging though this. Of course, true true. Will also check those out at some point. For now though I'm also listening to find new favourite projects to see where my own taste leads me.
Quote from: Cranial Blast on August 07, 2026, 03:52:26 AMMacronympha's earliest to mid 90s titles seem to always come to mind, especially albums like Notes From The Underground, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Whorechestra, ect. Those are perfect or near perfect harsh noise albums in my opinion. Mid 90s especially seemed to be a stellar year for Macronympha, a lot great titles! They generally come to mind as "essential" harsh noise.
if i had to give one noise album as a real essential, i would do "Intensive Care" from them. of course i'm not super familiar with their 90's work but Intensive Care is one brutal slab of harsh noise.
Quote from: FreakAnimalFinland on August 05, 2026, 10:21:15 AMYes indeed, I think this could be even topic of its own. Like... would PULSE DEMON be such a classic album, if it was just that album, and it would not be part of the larger body of work? I feel that this album as stand alone album if nice, but it is not phenomenal by any means. When you think it as sort of purified synth noise album within discography of Merzbow, is suddenly has different meaning.
i personally really like the range and weirdness of Pulse Demon, but i'm sure it's not super popular among hardened harsh noise vets.
Quote from: groesk on August 12, 2026, 09:08:04 PMQuote from: Cranial Blast on August 07, 2026, 03:52:26 AMMacronympha's earliest to mid 90s titles seem to always come to mind, especially albums like Notes From The Underground, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Whorechestra, ect. Those are perfect or near perfect harsh noise albums in my opinion. Mid 90s especially seemed to be a stellar year for Macronympha, a lot great titles! They generally come to mind as "essential" harsh noise.
if i had to give one noise album as a real essential, i would do "Intensive Care" from them. of course i'm not super familiar with their 90's work but Intensive Care is one brutal slab of harsh noise.
Quote from: FreakAnimalFinland on August 05, 2026, 10:21:15 AMYes indeed, I think this could be even topic of its own. Like... would PULSE DEMON be such a classic album, if it was just that album, and it would not be part of the larger body of work? I feel that this album as stand alone album if nice, but it is not phenomenal by any means. When you think it as sort of purified synth noise album within discography of Merzbow, is suddenly has different meaning.
i personally really like the range and weirdness of Pulse Demon, but i'm sure it's not super popular among hardened harsh noise vets.
Both Intensive Care and Pulse Demon I often saw named as essential albums though personally maybe Intensive Care will be a more interesting for me since I'm not that familiar yet with Macronympha's material.
Quote from: FreakAnimalFinland on August 05, 2026, 10:21:15 AMYes indeed, I think this could be even topic of its own. Like... would PULSE DEMON be such a classic album, if it was just that album, and it would not be part of the larger body of work? I feel that this album as stand alone album if nice, but it is not phenomenal by any means. When you think it as sort of purified synth noise album within discography of Merzbow, is suddenly has different meaning.
Pulse Demon certainly has taken on a life of its own over the years due to more than just what's on the album itself: the packaging, the mastering, its wide availability, the fact that it was for many their main intro into noise, etc.
But I think it still justifies itself, for the most part, if you look at the original release up to and including "Tokyo Times Ten." For me, the whole thing is basically a buildup to that track, getting progressively more and more massive until it hits that crescendo in TTT's explosion of massive waves of noise. I've sometimes thought that you could justify Akita's reputation just by that one track alone. The timbres and depth on it are incredible. By the end of it, you're cleaned out and have everything you could ever want in a noise release.
Which might be where the problem comes in. Because the album isn't over.
By no means is "Worms Plastic Earthbound" a bad track. On any other Merzbow release, it would probably sit comfortably. Its just not TTT. In fairness, nothing could be. Anything would probably be a bit of a letdown. But its also hampered somewhat by the fact that its a lot more (comparatively) restrained than anything on the album up to that point. Maybe that was intentional, the idea being to give the listener a nice breather after what came before. But it can't help but feel like its meandering a bit and losing the power that was achieved. "Yellow Hyper Balls" is a perfectly fine closer, but again, nowhere near the heights achieved before it.
I've always felt that
Pulse Demon maybe should've ended at TTT. Or at the least, if all the original tracks are preserved, the final two should have instead placed somewhere before TTT as more stepping stones on the road to it, with "Worms..." cut by 10 minutes or so to make it more compact. Interestingly, the vinyl reissues seemed to sense this somewhat, since the arrangement there does move "Yellow Hyper Balls" up before TTT.
Anyway, I feel there are definitely other Merzbow releases that hold the listener's attention more consistently throughout the whole of the release than PD, sure. But there is something special about the buildup to and culmination in TTT that is seldom equaled elsewhere. For that in itself, PD deserves its reputation.
Quote from: BatteredStatesofEuphoria on August 13, 2026, 05:14:33 PMQuote from: FreakAnimalFinland on August 05, 2026, 10:21:15 AMYes indeed, I think this could be even topic of its own. Like... would PULSE DEMON be such a classic album, if it was just that album, and it would not be part of the larger body of work? I feel that this album as stand alone album if nice, but it is not phenomenal by any means. When you think it as sort of purified synth noise album within discography of Merzbow, is suddenly has different meaning.
Pulse Demon certainly has taken on a life of its own over the years due to more than just what's on the album itself: the packaging, the mastering, its wide availability, the fact that it was for many their main intro into noise, etc.
But I think it still justifies itself, for the most part, if you look at the original release up to and including "Tokyo Times Ten." For me, the whole thing is basically a buildup to that track, getting progressively more and more massive until it hits that crescendo in TTT's explosion of massive waves of noise. I've sometimes thought that you could justify Akita's reputation just by that one track alone. The timbres and depth on it are incredible. By the end of it, you're cleaned out and have everything you could ever want in a noise release.
Which might be where the problem comes in. Because the album isn't over.
By no means is "Worms Plastic Earthbound" a bad track. On any other Merzbow release, it would probably sit comfortably. Its just not TTT. In fairness, nothing could be. Anything would probably be a bit of a letdown. But its also hampered somewhat by the fact that its a lot more (comparatively) restrained than anything on the album up to that point. Maybe that was intentional, the idea being to give the listener a nice breather after what came before. But it can't help but feel like its meandering a bit and losing the power that was achieved. "Yellow Hyper Balls" is a perfectly fine closer, but again, nowhere near the heights achieved before it.
I've always felt that Pulse Demon maybe should've ended at TTT. Or at the least, if all the original tracks are preserved, the final two should have instead placed somewhere before TTT as more stepping stones on the road to it, with "Worms..." cut by 10 minutes or so to make it more compact. Interestingly, the vinyl reissues seemed to sense this somewhat, since the arrangement there does move "Yellow Hyper Balls" up before TTT.
Anyway, I feel there are definitely other Merzbow releases that hold the listener's attention more consistently throughout the whole of the release than PD, sure. But there is something special about the buildup to and culmination in TTT that is seldom equaled elsewhere. For that in itself, PD deserves its reputation.
I do agree with your discussion on that flow of Pulse Demon.. of course with Merzbow's giant discography he's got plenty of great lengthy releases and Pulse Demon is also of course a longer listen being a packed CD. I think that's what makes this kind of experimental sound so rewarding to listen to, there's plenty of releases which have lengthy tracks and demand maybe more patience, listens to fully get into them. They're not instantly obvious in their effect but can become favourites later on. Merzbow does however indeed often have rather lengthy pieces on his releases that are sometimes a bit up and down in terms of immersion or how interesting they are to listen to so you could at times feel like a track before or after the one you listen to felt more enjoyable. He does have an exploratory, experimental tendency that doesn't always fit the mood but it does also make him characteristic in his approach.
TOURETTE "Brule Mon Ame. Broie Mon Corps; Remodele-Moi A L'image D'un Chien"-cd
Listened to this one recently and I'm really impressed. Superb cut-up Harsh Noise with a lot of movement, dynamics and great brooding choral samples(?) and drones used as additional atmospheres. As a fun personal detail, this got my girlfriend who had never heard any Noise before into Harsh Noise, so it's a great one for that too.
I was at a JHK gig in The Netherlands recently and what a great project he has too, I picked up his tour exclusive CDr. A great guy too and a new favourite artist I would call essential to check out.
2 Kazumoto Endo shows in The Netherlands this October. One of the Japanese masters.
Quote from: impulse manslaughter on August 26, 2026, 06:02:36 PM2 Kazumoto Endo shows in The Netherlands this October. One of the Japanese masters.
Yes, that's exactly where I'm going.
Also Kazumoto Endo's Killer Bug project, compilation entitled Beyond The Valley Of The Tapes, very essential harsh noise stuff!
Quote from: Cranial Blast on August 27, 2026, 03:18:36 AMAlso Kazumoto Endo's Killer Bug project, compilation entitled Beyond The Valley Of The Tapes, very essential harsh noise stuff!
Yes, will add that to my wishlist too. For now I got two live sets of his to look forward to in two weeks