A virtually unknown dub techno classic from almost 20 years ago, lovingly reissued with contemporary mastering from Stalker himself.

"EMPIRE sighs like a massive, melancholy battle-scarred Goliath."
- banbantonton.com

Made in 2002/3 in rural Australia by Darren Ziesing, 'Empire' stood practically peerless when it emerged. The only real comparisons that could be drawn at the time were with the Basic Channel / Rhythm & Sound or Deepchord releases and even though the music is good enough to warrant these comparisons, there's a different type of depth to Stalker's sound.

Whereas the sounds coming from Berlin & Michigan were both drenched in all kinds of delightful hiss, Stalker has always explored the ultra-clean end of the analogue spectrum, producing an outstanding catalogue of deep techno that continues to this day.

'Empire' was a self-published CD-only release available in the tiniest quantities but has become something of a secret legend amongst certain circles. Stalker made a few live appearances throughout NSW & ACT in the early 00's and then pretty much disappeared, developing a successful career as a high-end mastering engineer.

This release sees 2003 Stalker meet 2020 Stalker as the original premasters for 'Empire' have been passed through his near-priceless all-analogue mastering setup for this landmark reissue.

Stalker sez:

"Empire was my attempt at the time to write a masterpiece long play album.

By long play I mean the kind of album that grows on you over time.

An album that takes many listens to peak.

I also wanted to push the boundaries of Dub at the time by making something that was really dynamic and clean.

Low noisefloor stuff that makes you hold your breath to hear the details.

Dub had quite a noisy sound at the time with heavy compression.

I wrote it living remotely on a massive bushland property in the mountains just below the Australian Alpine area.

Living by myself for 2 years in the middle of nowhere and working solely on music production whilst house sitting this big old place."

Ruf Dug sez:

"By chance I met Stalker at the very beginning of my DJ/production career - we were both guests on a late night techno radio show on Sydney's FBI radio. I heard his sounds for the first time that night and so began a friendship that continues to this day.

Darren has been a mentor, a supporter and a key part of the Ruf Kutz sound. I've loved Empire for nearly 20 years now and I'm fkin buzzing to be sharing this unbelievable sounding new version with everyone.

There is no such thing as being late to this sound - it's never ending, it's always fresh, it's the sound of STALKER. Jump in.

Ur pal

Ruffy

x"