MERZCAST - The Merzbow podcast

"The Pain Factory" was a legendary public access show that aired in San Francisco from 1995-1997. Michael Contreras was at the helm, along with people like Scott Arford and more. Today we discuss the series as a whole as well as favorite individual performances and segments. Enter "The Pain Factory"!!! For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, we go over a lot of recent listening.

Ultra's "Youthful Pleasures" is a classic that fills us with perverse joy. This lavish entertainment package is our personal, portable playmate. We gleefully discuss this album & band, and encourage you to take your pleasures where you get them!

The soundtrack to "Eraserhead" has been cited by many early industrial and noise artists as a major influence on their work, let alone the film itself. Today we discuss both the sound and sound he movie in honor of the passing of a legend. David Lynch, we hope that in heaven everything is indeed fine. 

Our break has ended and for our return Paolo Bandera joins us to take an in depth look at his decades long journey. Sigillum S, Sshe Retina Stimulants, the Sodality and so much more are discussed. Bandera has a great memory and provides a wealth of fascinating insight into his world of sound. Another noise history lesson is in session. 

Noise new year greetings! It's been awhile but we are back to discuss the old year and the new year. We update you all with 2025 plans and the upcoming path for Noisextra. For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon , we discuss some of our other favorite things we got into in 2024.

The day before Halloween can only mean one thing—it's time for Atrax Morgue. This year we discuss "No More.” The final proper Atrax Morgue album hit us in an unhinged way. In addition, Tara talks about the surrealist Pierre Molinier as one of the tracks on the album is dedicated to him. Welcome to the broken sound… enter the club of the dead. For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, we discuss 3 Italian horror movies — "Blood Delirium," "Body Puzzle," and "Murder Obsession." This half hour segment immediately follows the regular episode on the patreon feed.

Greh is back from his noise adventure and is here to tell us all about it. He attended the F.L.A.W. Fest and also played an after show as Black Sand Desert. He gives us a full rundown of his entire trip and gives his thoughts on just about every set. For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, Greh tell us about all the noise he's been listening to.

Greh was in Ohio (and will be reporting on his noise travels next week), so Mike and Tara hit record for an in-the-moment conversation. Topics include the crushing weight of life, good and bad feedback use, varying approaches on special packaging, some recent noise and more. For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, Tara tells some seasonally appropriate incidents of visiting apparitions. This 20 minute section immediately follows the regular episode on the patreon feed.

Following the final show of his tour with Mortiis, Roger Karmanik sat down with us for a great discussion covering Brighter Death Now, Cold Meat Industry, and all things in-between. For multiple decades Roger has created a world that has inspired countless artists and labels up to this very day. Obviously Roger has been someone we've wanted to talk to since Noisextra's inception and we're incredibly grateful he sat down with us. Pull up and chair and enjoy this absolute supper. For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, Tara gives her thoughts on the BDN show since she was unable to be in the regular episode.

Today we present a special video episode all about the brand new 666 Volt Battery noise box set on Hospital Productions. Join us as we unbox the set, learn about the background with video provided by Dominick Fernow, and apply the temporary tattoo to Tara! The power of negative energy is flowing and we can't contain the war against music. Negative energy now.

We are joined today by David Charles Rodrigues, director of "S/he is Still Her/e", the new documentary on the life of Genesis P-Orridge. Additionally, Ryan Martin (Dais Records) joins as guest/co host to give his perspective and background on working with Genesis for over a decade. We discuss the process of putting together the documentary, how it came together and how Genesis affected their lives. Short circuit control. For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, we get into the incident that lead Gen and his family leaving the UK, Gen's family life and more. This 15 minute segment is in the middle of the episode on the patreon feed.

We here at Noisextra believe noise and porn go hand in hand! So for today's episode we have a great smut discussion with Crystal of Nooners Books. Crystal, along with Greh and many others, will be vending this Sunday September 22nd at Zebulon for the Analog Outlaw Book & Record Fairt. We get into how Crystal has amassed an incredible amount of vintage porn magazines, how she became a porn dealer and much more. The porn lords are on the move! For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, we talk some of our favorite porn stars, porn VHS, cleaning old mags and more! This 15 minute segment will be in the middle of the episode on the patreon feed.

Greh is back! After some tech difficulties and more, Greh returns to the podcast. We spend today's episode catching up with him on his recent listening and watching. Noise can't be stopped, and neither can Greh!For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, we get a Greh noise mix to honor his return. The mix immediately follows the episode on the patreon feed.Follow us on Instagram: @noisextraFollow us on Twitter: @noisextraaaSupport us on Patreon: patreon.com/noisextra

Steve Meketa (Lockweld, Apt 213, Meketa Power Electronics) joins us today for a raucous discussion on his noise and PE path. Meketa's current project — Meketa Power Electronics — is a personal take on the style, as its theme is his Christian faith. He tell us of his health and mental struggles that lead him to becoming a Christian and how he incorporates this into not only his work. We also get into his original noise project Lockweld and much more. You are not alone! For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, we talk all things Apt 213, Meketa's infamous powerviolence band from the 90s. This 15 minute segment immediately follows the regular episode on the patreon feed.

Today we go over some recent noise listening from the sweltering, brutal month of August. We focus on some more recent acquisitions, as well as a classic album that was planned to be discussed in detail… but the August oppression had different ideas. For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, the discussion continues for 15 more minutes.

Today we take another look at the "extra" of Noisextra with Ross Snyder of the Saturn's Core movie label. The movies that Saturn's Core release run parallel to the DIY noise underground of yore… in this case its the DIY shot-on-video homemade movie underground of the 90s. Home dubbed tapes, zines, mail order, and regional scenes all come into play with Ross's story. It's a great discussion on a world that may not be familiar to some listeners, but well worth visiting. For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, we have Ross grab a handful of VHS from his collection and give his thoughts on each.

Mike and Tara have another loose noise discussion for today's episode. Topics include the second Death Squad book, the "RRR 5th Anniversary Box Set Thing," a recently-scored Seka skin mag, and more! For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon , the discussion continues for an extra 15 minutes.Follow us on Instagram: @noisextraFollow us on Twitter: @noisextraaaSupport us on Patreon: patreon.com/noisextra

Frans de Waard joins us today to discuss the mandatory "America's Greatest Noise!", Frans' new book about RRRecords. We get into the process of getting the book together, his history with Ron Lessard, and more. Additionally we talk with Frans about his own noise history with Kapotte Muziek and his label Korm Plastics. Class is back in session, break your pencil in half and write the wrong way. For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, we talk about the idea of recycling sounds, numbering tapes, early releases and lots more. This nearly 30 minute segment is in the middle of the episode on the patreon feed.

We got together with Jesse Sanes (Cleanse, Liebestod) to watch the classic "Oh! Moro volume 5" VHS. It was cool to see footage of Osaka after having been there, let alone revisiting some classic noise sets from Merzbow, Monde Bruits, Masonna and more! For the ExtraNoisextra on the patreon, we talk about the new Cleanse tape and how Greh and Jesse work together. This 20 minute segment immediately follows the episode on the patreon feed.

Shane English returns to give us some 90s industrial obscurity with Notstandkomitee "Maschinenberichte." A very rare tape from 1992 on the project's own Block 4 label, we all come out with different favorites and get sent to different planes. As usual, Shane has some great background info and insights to fill in the blanks. Hear the sounds of the parasite today! For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, we basically have an entire other episode as Shane talks about related tapes, other listening and much more. This 40 minute segment follows immediately after the regular episode on the patreon feed.

Stephen Petrus returns to the podcast to talk about the brand new book celebrating 30 years of Murderous Vision. Petrus assembled photos, ephemera, fliers and writings together to give a full look at the history of the project. We always look forward to talking with Stephen as Murderous Vision is a favorite project of Noisextra. For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, Petrus provided patrons with a full live set recording from Mistake by the Lake in Cleveland on May 31, 2024. This live show immediately follows the episode on the patreon feed.

Greh and Hank (Sonambule) have been getting their shared Hollywood studio in action, and Mike came over to sit down with them and go over the progress. Greh has been going hog wild on making the studio a great space. We also talk to Hank about his project Sonumbule and how he utilizes the space. For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, Greh has made another mix to bring the noise summer directly to you.

It's another loose discussion episode, this time with Mike and Tara. Topics include Brighter Death Now performing "Necrose Evangelicum," White Shamrock's incredible "Slaughterland" release, Meteka Power Electronics' new album, and much more. For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, the conversation continues for an additional 20 minutes. Tara gets off the rails, but heads back on to talk more recent viewing, reading and more.

Author Thomas Moore joins us for a great conversation. Many of his novels have been published by Amphetamine Sulfate, including his newest book “Your Dreams.” We get into the many subjects of his writings…cruising, dreams, language and more. Thomas has been orbiting and into noise for many years and we attempt to connect the dots throughout this episode. For the ExtraNoisextra on the patreon, Thomas has provided some out of print writing for patrons to read.

Greh and Mike sit down for a loose conversation covering many topics including the recent release of "Pyschopathia Sexualis," the movie "Ratcatcher," the new Cleanse tape, recent listening and more.  For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, Greh made a mix of some of his recent listening. This mix immediately follows the episode on the patreon feed.

Today is the day all wet dreams come true. Eroticism and Overload are releasing their full length albums as the first two CDs on Initiation Services. This episode is a brief Q and A between the two, commemorating this historic day of pleasure. For the ExtraNOISEXTRA segment on the patreon, the track "Kill to Fuck" by Overload and the track "Rounding up Ants" by Eroticism are posted following the Q and A. Overload "Manson City" and Eroticism "Willpower" will be available today at 3pm EST/Noon PST at initiationservices.bandcamp.com or initiationservices.com

We found ourselves in the empty dark alleyways of early '80s NYC with Stuart Argabright and Michael Diekmann of the legendary Ike Yard. Stuart and Michael take us through their entire history up to today. We also get into Stuart's band Black Rain, his work with William Gibson, and plenty more. Ike Yard sits in a unique and strange place in the dark underground, and this discussion keeps the paranoia alive. For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, we get into what Ike Yard was like live in the early 80s as well as the process of reforming the band in the 2000s. This segment is in the middle of the episode on the patreon feed.

Iggor Cavalera (Sepultura, Cavalera Conspiracy) joins us for an incredible discussion. Iggor provided the perfect DJ set throughout Day 1 of the NWN/Hospital Fest, capturing the spirit of what the festival was all about. We go into his history from starting Sepultura as a 13 year old in Brazil, to playing with Boredoms in Japan, to collaborating with Prurient and Power Trip, to his current noise explorations and tons more. Iggor has carried the torch of the underground since the early 80s and the flame still burns! For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, Iggor talks about his gear, field recording in the Amazon, record shopping with Merzbow in Japan and more. This 20 minute segment is in the middle of the episode on the patreon feed.

This week we go “Over the Head of Persons” with Seed Mouth. Greh recently came across a copy of the original cassette, propelling us to dive into this classic 1991 release. Seed Mouth exists in its own world and it's never a bad time to enter the Seed atmosphere.For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the Patreon, Mike hits record for 30 minutes for an in-the-moment monologue talking about memories from 20 years ago. Gnarly van breakdowns, touring, shows and more are all part of this extra segment.

It's another magazine episode as we take a look at "Audio Drudge" #7. This issue was picked partly for its accessibility, but also because of the Caul tapes that Greh scored in Japan. In addition to Caul, this issue has interviews with Allegory Chapel Ltd, Contrastate, a section on VHS, and plenty of reviews. It's always a pleasure looking to the past via printed matter. For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, Greh tells us about setting up his new studio. He goes over his plans, purchases and much more.

The Connellys scored a copy of "Bring on the Shits" on Bandaged Hand Produce while in Japan thanks to Greh and we wanted to go over this classic 1995 cassette comp for today'''s episode. An absolute stand out 90s compilation, this one brings together artists from disparate corners of the noise world and places them within the Bandage Hand universe. The results are stunning. Mlehst himself supplied us with thoughts and info and we relay them throughout our talk. For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon we are putting up the entire first episode of Live Crashing Headfolds. Two hours of a brand new stellar noise radio show!

We have returned! Back from Japan and full of excitement as we recap our entire time at the NWN/Hospital Productions Japan Fest. From the sets to the atmosphere to the country itself, this is a jam-packed episode stacked to the brim. Support the underground and support noise!! For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, we go over all the other things we did in Japan such as wrestling, Trader Vic's, Godzilla's head, and much more! 30 minutes worth of tales!

We wanted to do one more episode before heading across the ocean, so we answered more listener questions. Japanese noise, Cold Meat Industry, sample gathering and much more are discussed today. For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, we answer more questions for about 20 extra minutes.

We're back! After a bit of a lapse we return with a packed Listener Q&A episode. We get into special packaging, gear, storing releases, preferred listening styles and so much more. Thank you for your continued support and thank you for listening to noise!For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, we answer even more questions.

The Hearing Trumpet was one of the most important noise bands for Greh's entry into the underground and we got a chance to talk with Dave and Greg, the duo that is the Hearing Trumpet. They provide a fascinating history of 80s and 90s noise in Michigan with a ton of great stories. One can tell immediately the connection these two have and the conversion is infectious. Book a show, set up, and leave.

For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, we continue the V Day theme for over 30 minutes and talk about some favorite porn films of the 70s and 80s.

Greh began organizing his noise fliers, postcards, stickers, and more so we got together to go thru his collection. We talk about ways to archive and store these items, and the importance of keeping noise ephemera. In addition, we have a pretty extensive recent listening section. For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, we posted a video of going through some of Greh's items, some that are mentioned on the episode and some exclusive to the video.

Davin Brainard of Princess Dragon Mom and Time Stereo joins us to head back to his early days of noise. Davin worked at Record Collector in the late 80s throughout the 90s and supplied Greh and the greater Michigan area with classic noise releases. In addition, Davin brought MSBR, Government Alpha, and Aube to the US. We get into all of this and more with an original of the scene. For ExtraNoisextra on the patreon, a big question about the Fab .44 Pure CD is answered with history behind the project. Also, Davin talks about seeing hardcore shows in the 80s. These two segments are in the middle of the episode.

Ain Soph "Kshatriya" is a special album and we enter the world it invokes. We discuss the many references presented within this completely unique sonic testament. Tara went deep with the research for this episode and enriches the album's impact. One of Italy's great exports, Ain Soph sends us into many new realms ripe for discovery. For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, Tara expands the discussion on the themes of Ain Soph, including the history behind the term that is the band's name.

We are too excited for Japan so we delve into a classic comp that emanated out of Osaka — "Noise Forest." A truly mandatory CD, "Noise Forest" brings together a powerhouse of early 90s Japanese noise stalwarts such as Merzbow, Masonna, CCCC, Mode Bruits and more. Traverse with us and get lost on the “Noise Forest.” For the ExtraNOISEXTRA segment on the patreon, we go over multiple versions and sessions of Merzbow "Travelling" that was released by Slowdown Records.

Happy Noise New Year to all! To kick off the year, we wanted to do a loose check in episode going over some recent listening, reading and watching before we get into 2024 full swing. Wipe the hangover from your brain and welcome another year of noise.

We go back in time to when Greh lived in and ran his loft venue the Green Door in Detroit. Greh gives us his history moving in and deciding to host many noise shows. We get into some of the madness, some of the idiocy and some of the greatness of the Green Door. Don't lock your car doors, that way you don't have to clean up the broken window. For the ExtraNoisextra segment, we are including a couple recordings made at the Green Door — Bloodyminded "Live Behind the Green Door" and a track from Aaron Dilloway.

A scheduling mishap had Mike and Tara sorting out an episode. The decision was made to leave the house and look for inspiration. What transpired was the discovery of a 10" by a very important historical project — "Gris" by :zoviet-france:. It was a sign to dig deep into the band, one that Mike and Tara are admittedly not insanely familiar with. So come along on our journey in discovering this fantastic 10" and diving into :zoviet-france:. For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, we share two more items we got on our adventure — a book of spicy Greek plays and a 1995 issue of "Gallery."

The season's bells were ringing for us to cover the classic Projekt Records compilation "Excelsis: A Dark Noel." The original dark Christmas comp, it ranges from ambient and abstraction to more traditional takes on holiday classics. Fill your cups with eggnog and enjoy the seasonal darkness. For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, we discuss other albums and bands we tend to listen to in the early winter.

It's been referenced many times throughout the years on Noisextra, especially on our recent Skin Crime episode, so we felt it was time to finally discuss the "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" VHS. "Huck Finn" documents the 1997 tour featuring the Haters, Emil Beaulieau, the Haters, Skin Crime, Crank Sturgeon, and Angst Hase Pfeffer Nase. It's an absolute classic VHS and we got some inside info from some participants. Get lost on the back roads with us and "Huck Finn." For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, Ron Lessard granted us permission to put up the entire "Huck Finn" VHS. Head over to the Noisextra patreon to view in full!

Mike and Tara take a trip back to their earliest days in Lexington, KY and discuss some memorable shows and events from that time. A show at Club Seal that ended at the hospital, shows in the street, in tiny apartments and more. Never let the fire of the maverick days go out. For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, we discuss some of our recent listening including a release that very much pertains to the regular episode.

Noise History class is underway with a full-to-the-brim episode focusing on the Skin Crime s/t LP on Hospital Productions from 2003. We had a conversation looking back on this time with Pat, and appropriately (as you'll hear), Mark jumps on out of nowhere near the end. We talked with Dominick leading up to the episode and insert his recollections and thoughts on releasing the very first Hospital LP throughout. Part "in conversation," part "audio documentary," all SKIN CRIME. For the ExtraNOISEXTRA segment on the patreon, we hear a lot more background from Dominick including Peter Lee's involvement, the idea behind the center labels, and a story of laying out the LP with his teacher. This segment immediately follows the regular episode on the patreon feed.

The three of us got together to go through some 90s mailorder catalogs. We sift through catalogs from three classic distros: Malignant, Artware, and RRR. Comparing and contrasting the differences among them made for a lively noise discussion. Head back in time via invaluable printed matter.

We had a great time catching up with our old friend Andy Ortmann of Panicsville and Nihilist Recordings. Andy has been doing it since 1992 with no signs of stopping. From his beginnings in St. Louis to relocating to Chicago, we go into his entire noise history. Ortmann has worked with innumerable artists and his passion for the underground has never wavered. Head thru a portal to the outer limits and forget about the return. For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon, Mike pulls out a compilation VHS that Andy made for Mike over 20 years ago. We go through the entire contents and have a blast heading down VHS memory lane.

Video game composer and sound designer Ross Tregenza joins us to discuss the process of creating all the sounds for the new Texas Chain Saw Massacre video game and maintaining a faithful atmosphere to Tobe Hooper's 1974 film. Tregenza's soundtrack plays separately from the game as an excellent dark ambient album rich in tension. We discuss how he got into the industry, his work for Cyberpunk 2077, varying levels of chicken agitation and composing for games in general. For the ExtraNOISEXTRA segment, Ross talks about his favorite video games and horror movies.

he annual Atrax Morgue episode has arrived. This year, we place a bag over our heads with "Death-Orgasm Connector." A CD from 2003, this album distills the greatness of Atrax Morgue into 10 of his most potent tracks. It's never a bad time to listen to Atrax Morgue, but the end of October is truly the perfect atmosphere for "Death-Orgasm Connector. The game is closed. Marco Corbelli forever. For the ExtraNoisextra segment on the patreon we each chose an Italian horror movie to dissect, as is our Atrax episode tradition. This segment is over 30 minutes.