Merzbow returns with Sedonis A, the opening track from his forthcoming album Sedonis, due for release on June 27 via Chicago’s Signal Noise imprint. Known for pushing the limits of sound since 1979, Masami Akita continues his exploration of noise and experimental soundscapes with a track that feels both meticulous and raw.
Sedonis A opens with a percussive assault that blends distorted glitches with mechanical textures. The layered noise elements are intense yet deliberate, with Akita’s trademark use of feedback, found sound, and manipulated audio sources creating a dense, immersive sound field. Among the textures, one can pick out moments of industrial rhythm and broken machine pulses, held together by a persistent sense of momentum.
The track was created using a combination of computer-based processes, modular electronics, and homemade instruments, including a custom guitar-string koto played with a violin bow. This setup contributes to the piece’s unpredictable tonal shifts and textural complexity. Despite its abrasive surface, the structure of Sedonis A reveals a clear direction and compositional focus, something long-time listeners will recognise across Akita’s vast catalogue.
This release marks Merzbow’s debut on Signal Noise, a label known for its focus on the intersection of sound art, noise, and video. Sedonis follows the Nine Studies of Ephemeral Resonance series and draws from a similar toolkit, evolving his approach while maintaining the core elements of his sound.
