My modus regarding Merzbow:

1. I think about listening to a Merzbow record. (Side note: I've never re-listened to a Merzbow album.)

2. I think 'Holy shit, I hope this album isn't high-pitched.'

3. I start the album, volume very low.

4. Having ensured that my hearing won't be damaged, I start listening.

5. Around five minutes into the first track, I nearly always think 'Why did I start listening to Merzbow?' and also 'There's no other artist who's really like Merzbow.' and 'Holy shit, has he released around 600 albums, singles, and collabs?' and 'I wonder if he ever listens to his old albums. Why should he? Fuck it.'

6. After half an hour, I wonder whether I'm falling to… More