Merzbow's latest offering, Eternal Stalker, is a sonically intense and deeply unsettling experience that delves into the darkest recesses of experimental music. Released on 3 June 2022 via Dais Records, this 38-minute album is a masterclass in genre-bending, effortlessly blending elements of drone, noise rock, free jazz, dark ambient, industrial, and avant-garde sounds.
From the opening notes of 'The Long Dream' to the closing moments of 'Just Silence', Merzbow's signature soundscapes are on full display, transporting listeners through a labyrinthine world of distorted textures and haunting atmospheres. Tracks like 'A Gate Of Light' and 'The Golden Sphere' showcase the artist's ability to craft mesmerising, hypnotic rhythms, while 'Magnetic Traps' and 'Black Thicket' descend into the depths of sonic chaos.
Throughout Eternal Stalker, Merzbow's innovative approach to sound design and composition is evident, pushing the boundaries of what is possible within the realm of experimental music. The result is an album that is both challenging and rewarding, a true testament to Merzbow's status as a pioneer of avant-garde music. With Eternal Stalker, Merzbow has created a work that is at once beautiful and terrifying, a sonic exploration that will leave a lasting impression on all who dare to immerse themselves in its depths.