***Japanese noise artist MASAMI AKITA aka MERZBOW and Scandinavian noise artist LASSE MARHAUG have been working together since the mid-'90s. The first release on Marhaug's (now-deleted) label Jazzassin Records in 1995 was the First Rock split single. In 2001, Merzbow and Jazzkammer (Marhaug's project with John Hegre) released a live album. Later, Akita and Marhaug executed several live collaborations, but often with other artists such as Hair Stylistics and Jim O'Rourke. In 2010, they finally got together to record as a duo. Recorded at GOK Sound Studios in Tokyo, the results can now be heard as Mer Mar. Made using a combination of scrap metal screeching, analog synths and enough effects pedals to make you overweight with most airline companies, Mer Mar is a tour de force for both of these noise veterans, hinting at some classic '80s Merzbow jams such as Material Action. Recorded at Studio GOK Sound, Tokyo, April 7, 2010 by Hamamoto Yohei. Cut by Rashad Becker at Dubplates & Mastering, Berlin. Cover design by Lasse Marhaug.