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
Lost in Translation
Apoptygma Berzerk Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And yet the strongest by far
Who's to save us now
That you've turned weak?
I can see it in your eyes
I can feel it in my gut
Now we've really reached
We've all been traumatized
We were all a part of the revolution
We call the truth a lie
Too much got lost in translation
From my heart to your ears
Transforming words to tears
As vibrations of a string
Become a sound
I realize we're frail
Burned out and pale
Do you think we'll ever learn to love again?
We've all been traumatized
We were all a part of the revolution
We call the truth a lie
Too much got lost in translation
The song "Lost in Translation" by Apoptygma Berzerk is a melancholic reflection on the challenges of communication and the misinterpretation of words and meanings. The lyrics start by addressing someone who has always been seen as strong and resilient, but who seems to have reached a point of weakness that threatens to undermine all that they have achieved. The singer expresses a sense of helplessness at not being able to save this person, or perhaps even themselves, from the consequences of their vulnerability.
The chorus highlights the extent to which the problems of miscommunication and misunderstanding are pervasive in society. Everyone has been traumatized in some way, and everyone has played a part in revolution, whether they realize it or not. However, as the title suggests, the message and the truth have become lost in translation, and what we think we know and understand about each other and the world may not be entirely accurate. The song acknowledges the emotional toll this can take on individuals, as well as on wider communities and societies.
The second verse delves deeper into the idea of communication as an imperfect but necessary medium for expression. The singer reflects on the power of words to evoke emotions and the beauty of music as a means of transcending language barriers. However, in spite of this potential for connection, people are still fundamentally fragile and flawed, and the possibility of pain and disappointment is always present. The song ends on an uncertain note, with the question of whether we will ever be able to find love and understanding in spite of the challenges of communication.
Line by Line Meaning
Fragile you are
You are delicate and vulnerable
And yet the strongest by far
However, you are also the most resilient
Who's to save us now
Now that you are weakened, who will save us?
That you've turned weak?
What happened that caused you to become fragile?
I can see it in your eyes
Your eyes reveal that something is wrong
I can feel it in my gut
I have a strong intuition that something is awry
Now we've really reached
We have finally come to
The point of no return
A moment where there is no going back
We've all been traumatized
We have all suffered emotional wounds
We were all a part of the revolution
We were all involved in a significant change or upheaval
We call the truth a lie
We deny or distort what we know to be true
Too much got lost in translation
Misunderstandings or mistranslation caused much confusion
From my heart to your ears
I am speaking from my deepest emotions to you
Transforming words to tears
My words evoke such strong emotions that they bring tears
As vibrations of a string
Just like the movement of a musical string
Become a sound
Creating audible noise
I realize we're frail
I now understand that we are vulnerable
Burned out and pale
Exhausted and looking unhealthy
Do you think we'll ever learn to love again?
Will we regain the ability to love?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Berzerk Apoptygma, Stephan Groth, Anders Odden
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
SparkleCakez
The main chorus really applies to current times. Everyone believes what they heard from a cousin's sister's friend's husband's doctor. Everyone believes everything they see, and we for some reason can't think for ourselves. We ignore the hidden facts, and listen to the lies put in your face because it's easier. You don't have to think, you don't have to argue with others that believe the same, and we get stuck in a repeating loop. Too much got lost in translation. And those of us that feel the need to inform others and break social norms are a part of the revolution, seemingly to no avail.
Jeanette S.
I used to listen to this song all the time in 2006/2007. Listening to it brings back so many emotions. It's still a great song.
SIhcba
que bueno el vídeo .. que buena la musica ..
insidergr2000
i love your video , this song is one of my very best apop !!! It sounds like melancholy to me but in a strange way i love it !!! i have returned here to watch again this video and leave for one more time a comment.....i really thank's so much for this great video !!!
Nina Pearlsheaven
This is wonderful ♥
Edu 242
Sehr gut Gemacht! Einfach ein Geiles Lied
Jake Bertuglia
Could not have put it better myself. It's sad to see a country descend into chaos while it's citizens say "Hey! Keep it down, the game is on!!!"
insidergr2000
just great.....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ramón Nicolás Apablaza
Great, very good synth pop
Sabine Seidel
endlos geil und wundervoll !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!