Monde Bruits: Purgatory LP

Monde Bruits is a Japanese experimental noise project formed in the early 1990s, from the brainchild of Iwasaki Shōhei. The sound has been compared to other experimental noise acts of the time, such as Merzbow, Hijokaidan or Incapacitants. However, Monde Bruits’ approach to noise is distinct, incorporating elements of musique concrète, industrial, and free improvisation which raw and bristly aesthetic. “Purgatory” cassette, released on the G.R.O.S.S. Japanese tape label, founded and run by Akifumi Nakajima, in 1992, is a significant document of Japanese experimental noise music from the early ’90s. The cassette’s limited release on a legendary Japanese tape label adds to its underground and obscure appeal, making it a sought-after collector’s item for fans of experimental noise music.

The opening track, occupying the entire a-side of the vinyl reissue, “In to Purgatory,” sets the stage with its distorted and unsettling sounds that build to a crescendo before giving way to the pounding noise. The track is a melancholic ode to the fleeting beauty of life, is a long and intense composition that seems to guide you through the levels of hell with its mix of distorted sounds and synthetic melodies, which creates a sense of unease with its eerie atmosphere and unsettling sounds.
On the flip side, the second track “Out to Purgatory” is another highlight, with its throbbing beat and distorted feedback, its harsh and abrasive sound, unconventional approach and a lo-fi production that seem to be calling out from the depths of the underworld.

Overall, “Purgatory” is an incredibly immersive and powerful release that showcases the unique talents of Monde Bruits. The use of distorted sounds, industrial textures, and electronic melodies creates a haunting and foreboding atmosphere that transports the listener to another world. If you’re a fan of experimental music that pushes boundaries and explores new sonic territories, then this release is definitely worth checking out.

Remastered at Audio Dissection from the original audio master by Emanuele Bonini in 2022.