The relatively calm and soothing world of dark low frequencies soon gives way to harsh, abrasive noise. There’s even some screaming à la metal, which is good fun for the kids. Doesn’t last; the bulk of the disc (“Beneath Ice Skin,” “Lunar Nest Guard,” and “Space Coffin”) is just the wild and exhilarating complexities of laptop music. Not as extreme or intense as Merzbow, but the (relative!) transparency of Bastard Noise makes it easier to hear all the “voices” on first hearing. That should not be taken as a value judgement about either, simply a way to place Descent into Mimas in the world of noise. (If you haven’t been able to enjoy Merzbow, yet, Bastard Noise might be a nice entrée into that world for you. If you already enjoy Merzbow, there’s nothing about that that will ever keep you from enjoying Bastard Noise.)

It’s not all loud, either, this disc. The last cut is a half hour long treat of electric drones.