Carl Crack (born Karl Bohm) was the MC for the band Atari Teenage Riot, formed by Alec Empire, Hanin Elias and he in 1992 when they became dissatisfied with the way techno was becoming mainstream. Carl heavily influenced the style of ATR with his unique musical ideas and vocals. He eventually released a solo album, "Black Ark" in 1998, which combines dub, hip-hop beats, and Japanese noise.
Crack, originally from Swaziland, had psychiatric problems since his teenage years, which worsened as time pressed on. Prone to psychotic fits at any time, he sought long-term treatment after being arrested for attempting to open the door of an in-flight airplane and attacking a stewardess during a fit.
On September 6th, 2001, Carl Crack died at 30 years old. Crack's contribution to music, and specifically, to Digital Hardcore, has run deep and his influence will hopefully never be forgotten. Whatever your opinion of Atari Teenage Riot and Digital Hardcore, Carl Crack was a true artist and he will be missed. |
