Noise is an experimental genre of electronic music characterized by its deliberate use of harsh, dissonant, and often unpleasant sounds. Unlike other challenging genres, Noise is intentionally designed to be unlistenable and abrasive, pushing the boundaries of what can be considered music.

The genre emerged in the early 1980s with Power Electronics, followed by Power Noise in the 1990s. These subgenres, while distinct to enthusiasts, are often indistinguishable to casual listeners due to their shared emphasis on extreme, discordant sounds.

Merzbow, a prolific Japanese artist, is considered a pioneer in the Noise genre, having released hundreds of albums over four decades. His work exemplifies the genre's commitment to pushing sonic boundaries and challenging conventional notions of musicality.

Noise music deliberately subverts the human brain's tendency to find patterns in sound, forcing listeners to confront randomness and chaos. This approach contrasts sharply with traditional music, which relies on repetition and predictability to create pleasure and anticipation in listeners.

While Noise remains a niche genre, its influence can be seen in the use of distortion and unconventional sounds in more mainstream forms of electronic and experimental music. The genre continues to attract a small but dedicated following of listeners who appreciate its uncompromising approach to sound art.