Album Review: Black King by Paul Dvr – A Harsh Noise Wall Odyssey
If you’re into sounds that feel like they were ripped straight out of a malfunctioning machine or some dystopian factory floor, then Black King by Paul Dvr is your jam. Released back in 2012 under the “Not On Label” banner (yep, DIY vibes all the way), this album dives deep into the world of Harsh Noise Wall—a subgenre of electronic music that’s not for the faint-hearted. It’s abrasive, it’s relentless, and honestly? It’s kinda genius.
The album kicks off with “I”, and wow, does it set the tone. Imagine being trapped inside an industrial fan while someone blasts static through a megaphone—that’s track one for ya. But here’s the thing: there’s a weird beauty to it. The layers of noise aren’t just random; they build this suffocating atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself. Like, yeah, my ears were ringing afterward, but I couldn’t stop thinking about how immersive it was. You don’t listen to this track—you survive it.
Then there’s “II,” which takes things up another notch. This one feels colder, sharper, almost surgical in its delivery. There are moments where the wall of sound seems to crack open, letting these eerie little glitches peek through before slamming shut again. It’s unsettling, sure, but also strangely hypnotic. I found myself zoning out to it late at night, headphones on, staring at the ceiling like, “What even is reality anymore?”
Paul Dvr hails from the US, and while we don’t know much about him personally, his work speaks volumes. He doesn’t need flashy production or fancy labels to make an impact. With Black King, he proves that sometimes less really is more—or maybe less is just louder. Either way, it works.
So who’s this album for? Definitely not folks looking for catchy hooks or chill beats. But if you dig experimental stuff that challenges what music can be, give this a shot. Just don’t blame me if your neighbors start complaining.
Here’s the kicker though: after listening to Black King, I started noticing harsh noises everywhere—in traffic, in appliances, even in my own breathing. Maybe that’s the point? Or maybe Paul Dvr just turned me into a human noise detector. Either way, hats off to him for creating something so unforgettable.
