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Apoptygma Berzerk
The Harmonizer DVD

Metropolis Records

Posted: Monday, March 20, 2006
By: Stephen Sodergren

Apoptygma Berzerk first hit your DVD player four years ago with APBL 2000, which featured many tracks from their then latest album, Welcome to Earth. In 2004, the band once again explores the realm of DVD with the release of The Harmonizer. While this release is not as good as a brand new full-length album, its well-executed audio and video clips make it an acceptable substitute. The concert footage itself is not that long, clocking in at 38 minutes and predominately covering tracks from Harmonizer. What's there gives you a great taste of the power and energy the band brings to each show. Some of the tracks covered include "Suffer in Silence," "Spindizzy," and "Unicorn." The only track that's not from their last album is "Kathy's Song." Also included on this DVD is a half-hour documentary telling the story of Apoptygma Berzerk, from the end of the Welcome to Earth tour, through the production of their latest album. It also includes footage showing the creation of the videos, as well as the new band lineup for the live show. Notable additions to that lineup include ex-metal guitarist Angel, who comes to the band from the heavy metal industrial act The Kovenant. Additionally, the DVD includes three video tracks for "Suffer in Silence," "Until the End of the World," and "Unicorn." There are also two CD remixes of "Unicorn," which are accompanied by photos of the band. A photo shoot of the models used for the live video screen, a trailer for the APBL 2000 DVD, and an intro of the band by VNV Nation's Ronan Harris fill out the rest of the DVD. There is a bonus CD that includes some new band material, but mostly focuses on the track "Unicorn." The CD is a nice addition to an already great DVD. Apoptygma Berzerk has brought the tremendous audio epic Harmonizer to a new level, adding fantastic visual elements and giving its fans a window into the creation and emotions behind the album.