Atari Teenage Riot

Atari Teenage Riot

Atari Teenage Riot is a Berlin-based digital hardcore group formed in 1992. The group is active from 1992 to the present and is associated with breakcore, digital hardcore, electro, electronic, electropunk and gabber. Its core line-up includes Alec Empire, Hanin Elias, Carl Crack and Nic Endo.

Style and politics

The group combines punk vocals with the emerging techno sound that becomes known as digital hardcore. Its work is strongly political, drawing on left-wing, anarchist and anti-fascist ideas. It forms in part as a response to the neo-Nazi influence in the German techno scene. Early material attracts controversy in Germany because of the prevailing view that dance music should avoid politics.

Early years and label work

The original trio consists of Alec Empire, Hanin Elias and MC Carl Crack. After signing to Phonogram, a major European label, in 1993, the band receives a large advance and uses it to establish Digital Hardcore Recordings, also known as DHR. The group does not deliver a commercially viable demo to Phonogram.

Releases and line-up changes

Early releases include songs such as “Hetzjagd Auf Nazis!” and “Hunt Down the Nazis!”. In 1997 Nic Endo joins the group during the Beck tour. The 1997 album Future of War is later banned in Germany. In 1999 the band releases 60 Second Wipe Out, which drops sampling and includes New York City rap group the Arsonists. The album also features guitar playing from Alec Empire and noise work from Nic Endo.

Break-up, death and later activity

The group effectively disbands in 2000 and does not consider its future again until 2003. Carl Crack dies a few months later from a drug overdose. After the break-up, the surviving members pursue separate careers, although Nic Endo and Alec Empire continue to work together. Hanin Elias sets up her own label, Fatal Recordings.

Later releases and reunion

In 2006 the group issues the greatest-hits compilation Atari Teenage Riot (1992-2000). Atari Teenage Riot reforms in 2010, with CX Kidtronik joining for live dates.