About
Japan's Keiji Haino probably has the largest ego in music. He gets frustrated at the lack of musical talent that plagues the entire world (save himself), wears black sunglasses on stage, insists that his players act as roadies, and throws tantrums that bring his musicians to the point of tears. Yet one listen to his work will silence any naysayers. Since 1971, Haino has crafted a guitar style that is unlike anything you've heard. His voluminous drones, loud, searing feedback and nimble virtuoso playing are unmistakable, and carry an absolutely astonishing emotional power. Haino has also proven himself to be one of the most original and ferocious vocalists in the world. Live shows are often several hours in length -- gargantuan epics of sound and energy. Dressed in all black and sporting waist-length jet-black hair, his stage presence is nothing short of entrancing. In addition to his considerable body of solo work, he leads the Hard Psyche trio Fushitsusha, and has collaborated with musicians as far reaching as Loren Mazzacane Connors, Bill Laswell, Rashied Ali and Lee Konitz.
- Doug Russell
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