Apoptygma Berzerk — APBL2000

Following the success of "Welcome To Earth", Apoptygma Berzerk did an extensive tour through Europe and the United States. "APBL2000" is a live recorded documentation of that tour. The Norwegians travelled through Germany, Italy, Belgium, United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Holland, Austria, Sweden and Norway, later followed by the U.S. and Spain.

Live CDs are more than just a recording of a concert nowadays. High quality recording equipment is carried to every appearance throughout every country, so that the best performances at the best locations can be put together. Apoptygma Berzerk released a live CD earlier "APBL98", which was a compilation of live tracks recording during their European tour in 1998. But then Apoptygma Berzerk had yet to experience their great breakthrough, which was achieved with the release of "Welcome To Earth".

I'm not too fond of live albums usually, unless they have something special. Different versions of the songs you would normally find on the studio albums for example. Although the songs are performed quite the same way as on the studio albums, I have the idea that there are some differences. The guitars are more in front, which creates a somewhat different atmosphere. The vocals are far more powerful as well. I'd like to mention a very emotional version of "Kathy's Song" in particular. As for the other tracks, most songs are of course the floorfillers from "Welcome To Earth" (for example "Starsign" and "Eclipse") and the additional and essential classics ("Deep Red", "Non Stop Violence" and "Bitch"). The sound recording is excellent as expected, and the songs really run over each other. Most tracks are recorded in the United States, but at different locations. Still, it sounds if you're listening to just one concert; there are no breaks bewteen the songs.

But why release a live album when you've done the same two years earlier? Obviously "APBL98" lacked the hits from "Welcome To Earth" (only "Paranoia" was present) and those were essential to the band to reach the popularity they have today, especially in Germany. I think the recording quality is pretty similar, and even the artwork is done in the same style. Except for the included cartoon then, which was drawn by Lise (known for the Norwegian cartoon Nemi), perfectly capturing the (stoned) atmosphere on the tour (?). So if you haven't got "APBL98" or simply don't want to miss the new songs, this buy is justified, but I don't see many other reasons to spend $14. Order the video or DVD instead, as those contain some extra tracks. On the other hand the quality of this CD is excellent, so I'll give it 3 out of 5.