Bastard Noise are an American noise band founded in 1991 by musicians Eric Wood, Henry Barnes, and W. T. Nelson. The project started as a sister band to the trio’s previous group Man Is the Bastard. While Man Is the Bastard broke up in late 1997, Bastard Noise continued and remains Eric Wood’s current project.
Early recordings from the group’s extensive discography were mostly self-released and primarily featured electronics and vocals. Since its formation, Bastard Noise have released material with underground labels such as Three One G, Relapse Records, Gravity Records, Deep Six, Vermiform Records, and Robotic Empire, among others.
Bastard Noise is synonymous with harsh, confrontational soundscapes, blending industrial textures, feedback, electronics, and field recordings to create immersive, challenging listening experiences. Rather than following traditional song structures, Bastard Noise explores tension, texture, and intensity. Their recordings often shift between blistering, chaotic walls of sound and sparse, eerie passages, emphasising atmosphere, unpredictability, and emotional weight.
Bastard Noise is primarily the work of Eric Wood, who handles electronics, feedback, and all sonic manipulations. During live performances, Wood often recruits other musicians, including Merzbow, Justin Pearson, Keiji Haino, and most recently Saira Huff, to perform alongside him. The project merges industrial mechanics with experimental aesthetics, producing albums and performances that are as challenging as they are immersive.
Brainstorming (2003) – early exploration of harsh noise and layered textures
Rogue Astronaut (2009) – experimental electronics and dense soundscapes
The Red List (2010) – field recordings meet abrasive feedback
A Culture of Monsters (2010) – immersive and confrontational sonic compositions
Skulldozer (2011) – aggressive electronics and unrelenting walls of noise
Cliff Parade / The Crossroads of Agony (2021) – later experiments in texture and intensity
Retribution By All Other Creatures (2022) – archival and new material demonstrating evolving noise techniques
The Eternal Blackened Horror Of Proliferated Speciesism (2025) – upcoming release showcasing continued experimentation
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Bastard Noise are associated with the Grindcore scene, so if you fancy exploring more like-minded artists, have a look through our GRINDCORE CATEGORY. You might also like to read our blog on the different subgenres of Metal \m/
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