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PREORDER
Ships When IN STOCK.
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ARTIST
TITLE
Animal Magnetism
FORMAT
2LP
LABEL
CATALOG #
UMA 189LP
UMA 189LP
GENRE
RELEASE DATE
2/27/2026
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For over four decades, Masami Akita, the man behind Merzbow, has remained one of the most singular and uncompromising figures in experimental music. Known as a pioneer of Japanese noise and a tireless sonic innovator, Akita has consistently pushed boundaries, exploring sound not as a vehicle for melody or harmony, but as a raw material to be shaped, sculpted, and sometimes obliterated. Originally released on CD in 2003, Animal Magnetism is now receiving a long-overdue vinyl reissue -- a deluxe edition that not only revives the album but enhances it. This new edition has been meticulously remastered by Lasse Marhaug, a respected figure in noise and experimental music who brings new clarity, weight, and depth to the recordings. Spread across two vinyl LPs and housed in a gatefold sleeve, the reissue replicates the original artwork, including Masami Akita's own photographs, while also adding a previously unreleased bonus track, "Quiet Comfort #2." Animal Magnetism occupies a unique position in Merzbow's vast catalogue. It is a work that remains firmly rooted in the artist's signature approach -- dense layers of distortion, feedback, and electronic debris -- but it also stands out for its sense of structure, variation, and surprising accessibility. It's an album that, while intense, is not impenetrable. It invites the listener to explore its textures and uncover subtle melodic patterns and rhythmic shifts beneath the surface noise. What makes Animal Magnetism distinctive is its balance between harsh noise and a more refined, composed sensibility. Where many Merzbow albums plunge into total abstraction, this one maintains a sense of movement and progression. The newly added bonus track, "Quiet Comfort #2," fits seamlessly into the album's sound world. It serves as both a continuation and a reflection, extending the album's themes while offering something fresh. Animal Magnetism is not just for seasoned noise fans, but also for adventurous listeners looking for a unique and challenging experience that rewards attention and repeated listening. Pressed on 100% black virgin vinyl to ensure optimum audio quality, housed in a gatefold sleeve featuring Akita's original photographs, limited to 299 copies. This edition is a must-have for collectors and newcomers alike: an essential document of an artist who continues to redefine the outer edges of sound. Absolutely essential.
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