Apoptygma Berzerk | |
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Stephan Groth (Wave-Gotik-Treffen 2014)
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Background information | |
Also known as | APB, APOP |
Origin | Sarpsborg, Fredrikstad, Norway |
Genres | Electronic rock, futurepop, EBM, synthpop |
Years active | 1989–present |
Labels | Columbia, Tatra, Gun, Metropolis |
Website | theapboffice |
Members |
Apoptygma Berzerk /ɑːˈpɒptᵻɡmɑː ˈbɜːrzərk/ (commonly abbreviated to APB or APOP) is a Norwegian musical group. They have achieved success with a brand of synthpop, and ballads backed with electronic rhythms, commonly known within the scene and referring to themselves as "futurepop". Apoptygma Berzerk has over 30 releases and won awards and Top 10 spots in Germany and Scandinavia. Apoptygma Berzerk has toured Europe, North America, South America, Israel and Australia with bands such as VNV Nation, Beborn Beton, Icon of Coil and Unheilig.
The band was formed by Stephan Groth and Jon Erik Martinsen in 1989. Together they wrote several songs, one of them "Ashes To Ashes" would later be released as a 12-inch single on the Norwegian label Tatra Productions in 1991. Jon Erik left the band shortly afterwards feeling uncomfortable with the direction of the band's music.
The name "Apoptygma Berzerk" neither has a secret meaning nor does it mean anything. Frontman and founding member Stephan Groth claims that it was randomly picked out of a dictionary (apoptygma being derived from the Ancient Greek word meaning "piece of a tunic"). The first word of the name is pronounced a-pop-tig-ma. (Apoptosis is a similar-sounding biological term for programmed cell death; stigmata are crucifixion-like marks on skin.).