"Merzbow began as the duo of Masami Akita and Kiyoshi Mizutani, who met in high school. Their earliest music was made with tape loops and creatively recorded percussion and metal. These early methods also included what Akita referred to as 'material action', in which they would heavily amplify small sounds so as to distort them. 'Batztoutai With Memorial Gadgets' was their first LP released outside of Japan. They also started touring abroad with the help of various collaborators. First, Merzbow performed in the USSR in 1988, then toured the USA in 1990, Korea in 1991, and Europe in 1989 and 1992. During the European tour in Sept/Oct 1989, Akita could only bring simple and portable gear, this led to the harsh noise style he became best known for. Kiyoshi Mizutani left Merzbow after the 1989 European tour and continues to pursue a solo career."
