Released 30 years ago
The Mad Capsule Markets
The Mad Capsule Markets · 1996
39 min · 11 tracks · hardcore punk
A frenetic fusion of hardcore punk energy and electronic chaos that reflects the anxieties of a media-saturated society.
Top tracks — play these first
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POSSESS IN LOOP!!!!!!!!!! — The opening track sets an intense pace with its rapid-fire beats and aggressive vocals, encapsulating the band's signature sound and urgency. It serves as a manifesto for the album's exploration of chaos and control.
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マスメディア — This track critiques mass media via sharp lyrics and dynamic instrumentation, making it a standout example of the band's socio-political commentary. Its catchy hooks juxtaposed with harsh delivery reflect the contradictions of media consumption.
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DOWN IN THE SYSTEM (SYSTEM ERROR) — With its pulsating rhythms and heavy electronic elements, this track exemplifies the band's innovative fusion of punk and digital sounds. It highlights themes of disillusionment within societal structures.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends hardcore punk with electronic chaos, creating a distinctive sound that reflects its era and influences.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks maintain a relentless tempo, with rapid-fire drumming and aggressive guitar riffs that set a high-energy tone.
- Several tracks incorporate electronic elements, such as samples and synths, which create a chaotic backdrop to the punk instrumentation.
- The album features abrupt transitions between songs, often shifting styles or tempos without warning, contributing to a sense of unpredictability.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- frenetic bursts of chaotic energy
- short tracks for quick engagement
- urgent rhythms that demand attention
- anxious soundscapes reflecting modernity
Maybe skip if you
- prefer mellow, relaxed listening
- seek long, cohesive compositions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- This self-titled album marks The Mad Capsule Markets' major label debut, following their independent releases that built a cult following in Japan. By 1996, the band was poised to carve out a unique niche, blending aggressive punk with electronic elements, setting the stage for their future influence in the scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Crossfaith· The Bouncing Souls· Enter Shikari
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 POSSESS IN LOOP!!!!!!!!!! 3:57
- 2 MIX-ISM 1:25
- 3 S・S・MUSIC 3:57
- 4 マスメディア 3:11
- 5 HI-SIDE (HIGH-INDIVIDUAL-SIDE) 4:24
- 6 パラサイト (寄生虫) 3:36
- 7 JESUS IS DEAD? ～JESUS IS ALIVE?～ (BRYAN NEW MIX VERSION) 3:54
- 8 G・M・J・P 4:35
- 9 DOWN IN THE SYSTEM (SYSTEM ERROR) 3:33
- 10 ラ・ラ・ラ (僕がウソつきになった日) 2:30
- 11 WALK! (ADRIAN SHERWOOD REMIX CD VERSION) 4:22
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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