Apoptygma Berzerk was formed in 1989 by one Stephen Groth (A.K.A. Grothesk), and Jon Erik Martinsen. The two released a demo-tape called "Victims Of Mutilation", which was distributed throughout the european electro scene. This tape was good enough to catch the interest of the Norwegian label Tatra Records, who quickly signed the band. Soon thereafter, Grothesk and Jon, decided to part ways due to (yes, you guessed it) "musical differences". Fortunately for us,... Grothesk continued making his music under the name Apoptygma Berzerk, and a single for the demo track "Ashes to Ashes" was released as a 12".

In 1992, Apoptygma Berzerk appeared on a compilation entitled "Sex, Drugs, & E.B.M.", with three tracks. One track was recorded under the band name Germ, which was Grothesk, and the guitarist from the death-metal band Cadaver, who was none other than Anders Odden. The other two songs were recorded as Apoptygma Berzerk, one of which being the song "Burning Herectic", which became a dance floor hit in the european club scene. A few months later,... the EP "The Second Manifesto", was released, spawning another hit, "Spiritual Reality". During this period, the band was touring like crazy, with bands such as Die Krupps, The Young Gods, and Nitzer Ebb.

Late 1993, brought the release of the single "Bitch", which was followed by the first full length album, "Soli Deo Gloria" in 1994. The album received rave reviews from the underground electro press, and helped to gain even more popularity with songs like "Bitch" getting played in clubs all over. As well as a great remake of the old Velvet Underground song "All Tomorrows Parties". Later in 1994, the single for "Deep Red" was released with a bit more of a "techno" feel to it. In my opinion, this was largely due to the side projects that Grothesk was working on during this period. He even formed his own techno label called "Space Echo", which he would go on to release his own work under the names "TB-MOONchild", "H2o", "Acid Queen", and "Total Transformation".

In 1995, Grothesk continued work on his techno projects, and released the single "Non-Stop Violence", a song for peace in war-torn Yugoslavia. In my opinion, this would become the song that made him famous. It can still be heard at almost any industrial club, on any given night. After the release of the single in October, Apoptygma Berzerk toured Germany. During this period, Stephen was struggling in an ongoing battle with the Norwegian authorities, because of his refusal to serve in the army. After being brought to court twice over the matter,... the courts decided to allow him to serve his country by doing community service, instead of the army.

In 1996, Stephen put together Apoptygma Berzerk's second full length album entitled "7". An incredible album with catchy, well constructed songs like "Love Never Dies", and the two forementioned singles. The cd also contains a hidden track 9:55 into track 9. Apoptygma Berzerk then managed to play at the Zillo festival, as well as touring with "Cobalt 60" in Germany. The next 14 months, Stephen spent in community service, leaving him with very little time for music. It would be a year and a half, until anything new would be released.

October, 1997, the "Mourn EP" hits the streets. The EP contains two incredible remixes of the title track. These remixes turn a once fairly mellow song, into yet another smash club hit. Also included on the EP, is an extended version of the hidden track at the end of the "7" cd aptly titled "Untitled Too", as well as a couple of more "techno" oriented tracks. On New Year's Eve, 1997, Apoptygma Berzerk made a trip to New York City, for a special only U.S appearance. They were not the only one's to make the trip :). Apoptygma Berzerk's live show, was filled with so much intensity. It was definitely worth almost dying of hypothermia, walking 15 blocks just outside of Times Square trying to catch a cab on New Years Eve at 2 am!

Which brings us to 1998. This year saw the release of the "Paranioa" single, in May. Yet another Huge club hit, with a chorus thats always stuck in my head. The single, in addition to the remix, contains a remake of the Metalica song "Nothing Else Matters". The band was finally snatched up by a U.S. record label (The almighty Metropolis Records) for domestic releases. In April, Metropolis released a CD titled "Apocalyptic Manifesto", which is basicly a re-release of "Soli Deo Gloria", with a few bonus tracks. In September, "7" was finally made available in the U.S. This month, Apoptygma began their first U.S. tour. Dates are listed here, be sure to check em' out,... trust me, you will not regret it! Word is, that the new full length album will be released in January 1999. Check back with us, and we'll have a definate date for you as soon as the band makes it available.