Japanese Noise Rock

Throughout the 1990s, countless bands with interchangeable members have been creating disparate types of rock in Japan with an ever-increasing intensity. Bands such as the Boredoms-who draw inspiration from artists as varied as John Zorn and the Butthole Surfers-create frenetic, quick-change sounds that defy expectation. Tatsuya Yoshida's various projects, including Ruins, take Progressive Rock through jagged and complex terrain. Psychedelic projects Toho Sara, High Rise and Mainliner work with a sonic intensity practically unheard of in the '60s. Despite the far-fetched creative output of a great number of bands, Japanese Noise Rock generally remains underground in their largely conservative country.