The Geist of Alec Empire cover

The Geist of Alec Empire

Alec Empire · 1997

214 min · 33 tracks · techno · ambient · digital hardcore

A frenetic blend of digital hardcore and ambient textures that challenges convention and provokes thought.

Why this album works

This album is significant for its influence on the digital hardcore genre, which emerged in the late 1990s. It received critical acclaim for its innovative sound and was pivotal in shaping the aesthetic of electronic music, often cited by emerging artists in the scene. The album also garnered attention for its provocative themes and political commentary, resonating with the socio-political climate of its time.
Best for
dynamic exploration of soundscapes wave-like pacing with peaks thought-provoking auditory challenges
Context
Released in 1997, 'The Geist of Alec Empire' is a pivotal moment in Alec Empire's career, following his breakout with the band Atari Teenage Riot. This album showcases his transition into solo work, demonstrating his unique approach to blending genres like techno and punk. At this point, Empire was establishing himself as a prominent figure in the digital hardcore movement.
Stylistic neighbors
Hanin Elias· Atari Teenage Riot· Balzac

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 22:24 4:44
  • 2 Kick Some Soul, Part 2 5:58
  • 3 Kick Some Soul, Part 1 7:53
  • 4 Kick Some Dirt, Part 2 5:40
  • 5 I'm Gonna Die If I Fall Asleep Again Standout 5:21
  • 6 God Told Me How to Kiss 6:52
  • 7 Many Bars and No Money 5:59
  • 8 [untitled] (Low on Ice - Track 2) 6:41
  • 9 Sweet 5:58
  • 10 3 Bullets in the Back 6:12
  • 11 City of Lights 7:10

Disc 2

  • 1 Sieg über die Mayday HJ 5:12
  • 2 Get Some 5:38
  • 3 Low on Ice 7:53
  • 4 The Backside of My Brain 7:55
  • 5 Maschinenvolk 7:37
  • 6 Civilisation Virus Standout 13:28
  • 7 Metall Dub 6:58
  • 8 13465 4:08
  • 9 Stahl und Blausäure 4:48
  • 10 Lash the Nineties 8:23

Disc 3

  • 1 The Sun Hurts My Eyes 12:07
  • 2 The Report Standout 7:16
  • 3 Suecide 6:32
  • 4 [untitled] (Low on Ice - Track 6) 5:50
  • 5 Slowly Falling in Love 4:18
  • 6 Walk the Apocalypse 5:11
  • 7 La Ville de Filles Mortes 5:40
  • 8 Opus 28 - Pour la Liberté Des Milles Universes 6:10
  • 9 La Guerre D'Opium 6:15
  • 10 Swimming Through Nails 6:53
  • 11 We Have Arrived 3:56
  • 12 Clean Circuit 3:41

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata