Merzbow vs Nordvargr – Partikel III (CD Album – Cold Spring Records)

Genre/Influences: Dark-ambient & noise.

Content: Two of the most famous and renowned artists operating in the noise- (especially for Merzbow) and dark-ambient scene have joined forces again for the 3rd and final chapter of their “Partikel”-trilogy. The 1st album was released in 2004 while “Partikel II” was released in 2007, in a way we might speak about a comeback with this new release.

“Partikel III” features 4 new tracks moving in between the edges of pure noise and dark-ambient. Some parts come close to pure soundscape dedicated to a dark theme. “Submaton Color Pt.1” is a real noticeable cut in the genre.

Behind the collaboration also hides the working process where thefirst 2 cuts were composed by Henrik Nordvargr Björkk while Masami Akita added some extra sounds and noises. Two last tracks are the contrary: composed by Merzbow and achieved by Nordvargr. The 2 last cuts written by Merzbow sound a bit more soundscape-like while Nordvargr’s work is more diversified and experimental as well.

The common point between all cuts is the oppressive dark mood hanging over the compositions. The mix between noise and dark-ambient has been totally accomplished resulting in an artistic sonic symbiosis. “Partikel III” is defying the edges of noise while pushing the border of dark-ambient to an extreme level. “Partikel III” this way moves in a kind of imaginary antechamber of progressive noise-music, which becomes quite accessible for a wider audience… although you really have to like dark-ambient and/or noise.

Conclusion: It took nearly 10 years to achieve this “Partikel”-trilogy, which ends in a pure apotheosis.

Best songs: “Submaton Color Pt.1”, “Lorentz Covariance”. Rate: (DP:8)DP.

Band:www.nordvargr.com / www.facebook.com/groups/Nordvargr / www.merzbow.net / www.facebook.com/OfficialMerzbow

Label:www.coldspring.co.uk / www.facebook.com/coldspringhq

Since you’re here …

… we have a small favour to ask. More people are reading Side-Line Magazine than ever but advertising revenues across the media are falling fast. And unlike many news organisations, we haven’t put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as open as we can. So you can see why we need to ask for your help.

Side-Line’s independent journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. But we do it because we want to push the artists we like and who are equally fighting to survive.

If everyone who reads our reporting, who likes it, helps fund it, our future would be much more secure. For as little as 5 US$, you can support Side-Line Magazine – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.

The donations are safely powered by Paypal.