Black Sun Empire – Cruel & Unusual

Black Sun Empire – Cruel & Unusual

Released in 2005, Cruel & Unusual is the groundbreaking second studio album from Dutch neurofunk pioneers Black Sun Empire. Widely regarded as one of the defining albums in the evolution of modern drum & bass, it cemented the trio's reputation for uncompromising production, cinematic atmospheres, and devastating basslines. Combining dark, futuristic sound design with exceptional musical precision, the album remains a landmark release for fans of underground electronic music.

Building on the success of their debut, Cruel & Unusual expanded Black Sun Empire's sonic palette with collaborations from some of the genre's most influential artists, including Noisia, Corrupt Souls, SKC, and Illy Emcee. The result is an album that seamlessly balances dancefloor intensity with intricate production, showcasing why Black Sun Empire became one of the most respected names in neurofunk.

The album opens with the relentless The Cooler, before the heavyweight collaboration Everything with Corrupt Souls delivers rolling rhythms and crushing basslines. Bitemark continues with razor-sharp percussion and ominous atmospheres, while Masquerade, alongside SKC, demonstrates the trio's mastery of deep, technical drum & bass. One of the album's standout moments is Hideous, a legendary collaboration with Noisia that brings together two of the biggest names in neurofunk for an explosive dancefloor anthem. The collection continues with the vocal-led Sideways, featuring Illy Emcee, the atmospheric Future Frame, and concludes with Black Sun Empire's powerful remix of Dance4Life – Breathe, providing a fitting finale to an album packed with club classics.

A cornerstone of the neurofunk genre, Cruel & Unusual is essential listening for fans of Noisia, Phace, Audio, Ed Rush & Optical, and Virus Recordings. Whether you're a DJ looking for timeless dancefloor weapons or a collector of influential drum & bass vinyl, this 4x12-inch album remains one of the genre's most important releases.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Black Sun Empire – The Cooler

Side B

1. Black Sun Empire & Corrupt Souls – Everything

Side C

1. Black Sun Empire – Bitemark

Side D

1. Black Sun Empire & SKC – Masquerade

Side E

1. Black Sun Empire & Noisia – Hideous

Side F

1. Black Sun Empire feat. Illy Emcee – Sideways

Side G

1. Black Sun Empire – Future Frame

Side H

1. Dance4Life – Breathe (Black Sun Empire Remix 02)