9/2/09

NEXT WEEK: APOPTYGMA BERZERK @ Crofoot

Norway's seminal synthpop band,
APOPTYGMA BERZERK,
have announced a U.S. tour in support of their recent release Rocket Science.
And to show their appreciation for their fans who have been with the band for over a decade, the band will be offering special "Fan Appreciation Packages" for each U.S. tour date
(details listed below)

With their unique and formidable ability to combine very melodic, danceable synthpop with haunting and powerful lyrics, Apoptygma Berzerk (or "Apop" for short) have been evolving their trademark sound by augmenting it with even crisper melodies and stronger hooks. Their most accessible album to date, Rocket Science is an alt-pop pantheon of sharp and soothing keyboards, bright and shimmery guitars, and synthpop dancebeats that both embrace their seminal and illustrious past while looking straight ahead into the future.
From the majestic opening track "Intro/Weight of the World" with its clever Donna Summer sample, to the dark and dirty midnight beats of "Incompatible" that recalls their earlier hits, to the atmospheric tribal beat of "Butterfly Defect", Rocket Science is a strikingly warm album in a genre that tends to be cold, hard and isolating. The first single "Apollo (Live On Your TV)" swirls to an anthemic charge, with lead vocalist Stephan Groth's distinctive vocals front and center with Good Charlotte's Benji Madden providing guest vocals. The closing track "Black vs. White" features a duet with Dresden Dolls' Amanda Palmer. Rocket Science was mixed by Jon Schumann (Kent, Mew, Kashmir, Carpark North) and Bob Kraushaar
(Pet Shop Boys, Erasure, Human League a-ha).

Their live shows have been praised SPHERE Magazine who reported, "those seeking a live show filled with energy, enthusiasm and interaction were certainly not disappointed. It was a very LIVE performance in every sense of the word."
And with their upcoming tour this Fall, Apop are planning on showing their fans just how appreciative they are for the support with special "Fan Appreciation Packages".
The package (cost: $150.00) includes:

Laminated VIP pass that allow you and one guest
access to the venue before and after the show.

Attend sound check / rehearsal

Attend a separate exclusive 2-3 song acoustic performance,
featuring songs that will not be played later on that evening.

Meet and greet with entire band following sound check.

Limited edition tour poster.

Complimentary admission to the show

"Front of the Line" status for re-entry into
the club upon scheduled door time.

Post-show hang with the band

A total of FIVE VIP packages per show will be offered
on a "first come-first served" basis and are available at

First making a big impact with their 1991 debut album Soli Deo Gloria and really hitting their stride with the worldwide danceclub hit single "Kathy's Song" in 2000, Apoptygma Berzerk have toured Europe, North America, Australia and Israel with bands such as VNV Nation, Beborn Beton and Icon of Coil.
The band has a discography numbering more than a dozen albums, over 30 releases if we count singles and EPs as well - and a band history spanning almost twenty years, and touring some 15+ countries.

Tour Dates
9/02 9:30 Club Washington DC All Ages (AA)
9/03 Gramercy Theater New York NY AA
9/04 Middle East Cambridge MA 18+
9/05 Le Studio Montreal QC AA
9/06 Big Bop Concert Hall Toronto ON AA
9/07 Peabodys Cleveland OH AA
9/08 Crofoot Ballroom Pontiac MI AA
9/09 Double Door Chicago IL 21+
9/11 Elysium Nightclub Austin TX 21+
9/12 ExpoCenter Mexico City MX 18+
9/14 Berbatis Pan Portland OR AA
9/15 El Corazon Seattle WA AA
9/17 Knitting Factory Hollywood CA AA
9/19 New City Edmonton AB 18+
9/20 DNA Lounge San Francisco CA 21

Watch the video to the first single
"APOLLO (LIVE ON YOUR TV)" here:
Touring with APOP is The Surrender
MCB's Rebecca Goldberg is lined up
to interview and shoot both bands