The Dark Side of Sound: Weaponizing Black Noise

The History of Sonic Warfare:

During the Cold War, countries raced to develop innovative weapons. In 1957, Dr. Vladimir Gavreau led a research team in France to explore the potential of sound as a weapon.

The Infrasonic Generator:

The team had access to a laboratory with a unique device - an infrasonic generator. This machine produced sound waves too low for human ears to detect, making them difficult to handle and potentially dangerous.

The Dangers of Infrasonic Sound:

Gavreau's team experienced firsthand the harmful effects of infrasonic sound. Without realizing the machine was on, they suffered from nausea, eye and ear pain, and internal organ damage. The generator even caused local earthquakes and destroyed the building it was housed in.

Sound as a Devastating Weapon:

Gavreau concluded that infrasonic sound could be a devastating weapon. However, French authorities denied any involvement in developing a weapons system, and the research went quiet.

The Resurgence of Sonic Warfare: Black Noise:

Years later, the concept of black noise revived the discussion of sound as a weapon. Black noise, like infrasonic sound, has the potential to cause harm and be used in sonic warfare.

The Unlikely Duo Behind the Concept:

American writer William S Burroughs and English musician David Bowie may seem like an unlikely pair, but their meeting in 1974 sparked a discussion on black noise that still resonates today.

The Difference Between White and Black Noise:

Unlike white noise, which contains all frequencies, black noise is the absence of frequencies and sounds. This unique property makes it ideal for meditation and background noise reduction. However, there's a more sinister use for black noise, one that Bowie was eager to discuss.

Bowie's Warning: Black Noise as a Weapon:

In a 1974 interview with Dick Cavett, Bowie described black noise as a frequency that could "crack a city or people." He likened it to a controlled bomb, capable of causing destruction through sound waves. This description eerily parallels Dr. Vladimir Gavreau's discoveries on infrasonic sound.

The Potential of Black Noise as a Weapon:

Bowie's words may seem like science fiction, but the concept of using sound waves as a weapon is rooted in history. From Gavreau's infrasonic generator to modern-day sonic warfare, the potential for black noise to be used as a weapon is a chilling reality.

The Concept of Black Noise in Music:

William S Burroughs described black noise as "like infra-sound, the sound below the level of hearing." He envisioned a "sound bomb" combining black noise and music as a form of dissent or control.

The Influence of Black Noise on Artists:

David Bowie and Burroughs discussed the potential of black noise in music. Burroughs suggested using infrasound in music without harming the audience, while Bowie joked about "maiming" them.

The Black Noise Bomb:

Bowie and Burroughs explored the concept of a black noise bomb, with Bowie estimating its destructive potential on Dick Cavett's show.

Black Noise vs White Noise vs Grey Noise:

Black noise contains no audible frequencies, while white noise has all frequencies with equal energy. Grey noise, with equal loudness across frequencies, has aided in hearing range testing.