Hypermodern Jazz 2000.5 cover

Released 30 years ago

Hypermodern Jazz 2000.5

Alec Empire · 1996

50 min · 10 tracks · techno

A frenetic blend of digital hardcore and ambient soundscapes that destabilizes the boundaries of genre and rhythm.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Walk the Apocalypse — This opening track encapsulates the album's chaotic energy, layering aggressive beats over haunting melodies that set the tone for the entire project.
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    God Told Me How to Kiss — With its provocative title and intricate sound design, this track exemplifies Empire's ability to blend lyrical absurdity with complex sonic textures.
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    I'm Gonna Die If I Fall Asleep Again — The frenetic pacing and urgent themes present in this track reflect a sense of desperation that resonates throughout the album, showcasing Empire's stark emotional range.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady immersive listening experience
  • chaotic energy for focus
  • cathartic moments of release
  • exploratory soundscapes to navigate

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking straightforward structures
  • prefer instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1996, Hypermodern Jazz 2000.5 marked Alec Empire's transition into a more experimental phase following his success with Atari Teenage Riot. This album came after his debut solo project, which established him as a key figure in the digital hardcore movement, further solidifying his reputation as an innovator in electronic music.
Stylistic neighbors
Merzbow· The Prodigy· Squarepusher

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Walk the Apocalypse 5:12
  • 2 God Told Me How to Kiss 6:55
  • 3 Get Some 5:40
  • 4 I'm Gonna Die If I Fall Asleep Again 5:22
  • 5 The Unknown Stepdancer 1:32
  • 6 Chilling Through the Lives 5:01
  • 7 Many Bars and No Money 6:01
  • 8 My Funk Is Useless 5:43
  • 9 Slowly Falling in Love 4:20
  • 10 Dreaming Is a Form of Astrotravel 4:17

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata