harsh noise
what it is
Harsh noise is generally considered a sub-genre of noise music with the distinguishing feature of not only being devoid of traditional music elements such as phrased melody, tonal harmony and structured rhythm; but containing textural elements (usually created through the use of electronics and/or digital signal processing) that challenge the sensibilities of the auditory system. “Harsh noise” is distinct in this regard from ambient or drone; and certainly distinct from noise rock or other “noise” genres that incorporate musical elements. Harsh noise in its extreme may affect the listener physically by invoking adrenal responses and sometimes even pain.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make harsh noise a playlist
turn these 16 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is harsh noise?
Harsh noise is generally considered a sub-genre of noise music with the distinguishing feature of not only being devoid of traditional music elements such as phrased melody, tonal harmony and structured rhythm; but containing textural elements (usually created through the use of electronics and/or digital signal processing) that challenge the sensibilities of the auditory system. “Harsh noise” is distinct in this regard from ambient or drone; and certainly distinct from noise rock or other “noise” genres that incorporate musical elements. Harsh noise in its extreme may affect the listener physically by invoking adrenal responses and sometimes even pain.
What are good harsh noise albums to start with?
Try Pulse Demon by Merzbow, The Origin of My Depression by Uboa, Bermuda Drain by Prurient, and While You Were Out by Kazumoto Endo.
Who are some women making harsh noise?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/harsh-noise/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making harsh noise, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20