In 1989, Stephan Groth and Jon Erik Martinsen formed Apoptygma Berzerk in Norway. They wrote several songs, one of them "Ashes To Ashes" would later be released as a 12" single on the Norwegian label Tatra Productions in 1991. Martinsen left the band shortly afterwards feeling uncomfortable with the direction of the band's music. Since then the band had many lineup changes, Groth being the only constant members.
Stephan Groth claims that the band name was randomly picked out of a dictionary. Apoptygma is an old Greek word for the fold of a woman's garment. Technically the 'y' ought to be pronounced like a long 'u', but the band's name is commonly pronounced a-pop-TIG-ma or a-pop-TEEG-ma.
Apoptygma Berzerk released six studio albums so far: Soli Deo Gloria in 1993, 7 in 1996, Welcome To Earth in 2000, Harmonizer in 2002, You and Me Against the World in 2005, and Rocket Science in 2009.
The first two albums, Soli Deo Gloria and 7 were a similar style of synthpop and EBM. Welcome to Earth featured an evolved EBM/synthpop sound. Harmonizer featured a softer, more synthpop-oriented direction. You and Me Against the World represented an almost complete change in style for the band, from EBM to indie rock-oriented sound. Rocket Science continued the rock-oriented direction of their sound.
They also released three compilations (The Apopcalyptic Manifesto in 1998, The Singles Collection in 2003 , Sonic Diary in 2006), three live albums (APBL98 in 1999, APBL2000 in 2001, Imagine There's No Lennon in 2010) and three live DVDs (APBL2000 in 2001, The Harmonizer DVD in 2004, Imagine There's No Lennon in 2010).
In total, the band issued six EPs: Victims of Mutilation in 1990, The 2nd Manifesto in 1992, Mourn EP in 1997, Unicorn EP in 2004, Black EP in 2006, and Green Queen in 2009.
List of former band members:
Jon Erik Martensen: keyboards (1989)
Per Aksel Lundgreen: keyboards/manager (1991–1994)
Anders Odden: guitars (1992-1999)
Geir Bratland: keyboards/backing vocals (1995-2009)
Fredrik Darum: producer/live guitarist (1999–2001)
Ted Skogmann: drums and guitar (1999–2002)
Fredrik Brarud: drums (2002-2009)
Audun Stengel (Angel): guitars (2002-2009)
Anders Odden: guitars (2003-2006)
Official site: http://www.apoptygmaberzerk.de
Borrowed Time
Apoptygma Berzerk Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your mind's so far away
You try to act just like them
You always do what they say
Youth of today, act your own way
Don't be one of them, they're not sublime
Remember that you're living on borrowed time
In the song "Borrowed Time" by Apoptygma Berzerk, the lyrics convey a message of individualism and rebellion against societal norms. The lyrics speak to the struggle of staying true to oneself while being bombarded with pressure to conform to the expectations of others. The line "You try to act just like them, You always do what they say" suggests that the singer is struggling to break free from some sort of oppressive force that constantly tries to mold them into society's image of the "perfect" individual.
The next line shifts to a more empowering message. "Youth of today, act your own way, Don't be one of them, they're not sublime" urges the listener to embrace their uniqueness and avoid becoming just another face in the crowd. The repetition of the phrase "act your own way" emphasizes the importance of individuality and personal agency. Finally, the closing line "Remember that you're living on borrowed time" adds a sense of urgency to the call to action. It suggests that the singer recognizes the fleeting nature of time and the importance of living their life on their own terms.
Line by Line Meaning
You keep searching for yourself
You continuously look for your true identity
Your mind's so far away
Your thoughts are distant and preoccupied
You try to act just like them
You attempt to imitate others' behavior
You always do what they say
You consistently comply with their demands
Youth of today, act your own way
Young people should exhibit their unique traits
Don't be one of them, they're not sublime
Avoid following others' mediocrity
Remember that you're living on borrowed time
Be aware that your time in this life is limited
Contributed by Jayden W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.