Merzbow
Amlux

THE REVIEW

Without thinking too much about it, if someone were to ask me which album might be "more listenable" by Merzbow apart from the magnificent "Merzbeat," I would answer "Amlux."
To make things clear: it's still Noise, so those who aren't used to these destructive sounds can safely stay away, but it's not Harsh Noise with the intent of annihilating eardrums and that's it, there's more beneath the surface.

It was released in March 2002 (a few months before Merzbeat) and is part of a slew of at least 6 albums released by Mr. Akita that year.
As I was saying, "Amlux" could be a prelude to what will be a more Electronic, more Drone experimentation, open to more captivating and melodic sounds.

While listening to these tracks, I like to imagine myself lost at night in a facility of abandoned factories and power plants, yet still operational.
Initially, you hear the noise of your footsteps as you walk over the metal grates, but immediately, in quick succession, there's the explosion of sound: the assault of the pulses, the semi-active machinery, electrical wires unplugging themselves, fuses out of control, and the little light that was there fades away; even the surrounding smell changes, there's a stench of burning oxy-fuel and freshly used abrasive wheels.
Suddenly, the pulses drop in volume, and the heartbeat slows down... the escape in an instant.

Highly recommended is "Looping Jane" to imagine these scenes.