Atari Teenage Riot co-founder Carl Crack was found dead in his Berlin apartment on Sept. 6. Despite undergoing treatment for psychiatric problems in the past, Crack's friends did not report anything that would give cause for concern or lead them to believe that he was planning on committing suicide, according to a statement released by the band's label, Digital Hardcore. ATR was on hiatus at the time of Crack's death and had no plans to reconvene until 2003. Since the band concluded its tour in March 2000, Crack had been working on the follow-up to his instrumental solo debut, Black Ark. In a statement, ATR's Alec Empire said, "When I think of Carl I don't think only of the great stage presence and charisma he had… I also remember him dancing to soul music at parties, laughing and singing Curtis Mayfield songs I will miss him... Carl, we'll never forget you."
