For almost five decades now, Tokyo-based artist Merzbow has held an undisputed position as the iconic forefather of noise music.
It’s said his work, which catapults the listener into an utterly unfamiliar but wholly compelling cosmos of sound, has grown over time to represent one of the most fully realised music projects to have emerged in contemporary sound.
Merzbow’s concerts are the stuff of legend; they exist as near-transcendental experiences where the body and ears are consumed by a mass of sound the likes of which are almost impossible to describe.
And soon, this experience will come to the inner west as Merzbow plays The Substation in Newport on Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March.
For both shows, Merzbow will be joined by fellow vibrationalist Lawrence English.
Known for work that tests at the very edges of harmonic ambience and low energy sound pressure, English’s live performances evoke a sense of unerring speculative atmospheres – a dense and physically affecting sonic fog.
Combined with Merzbow’s full-spectrum eruption, both shows promise sound at its deepest, densest and most profound.
Concert goers are warned that these shows, unsurprisingly, contain sustained loud noises as well as haze, and flashing lights.
However, both shows will be presented in low lighting only.
It’s a standing event, though wheelchair access will be available.
Details: https://thesubstation.org.au/program/merzbow-australia-2026#tickets
