The band was formed by Stephan Groth and Jon Erik Martinsen in 1986. They recorded a few demos, including Victims of Mutilation. Jon Erik left the band shortly afterwards feeling uncomfortable with the direction of the band's music.

Groth's lyrics take a decided pro-Christian (albiet an unusual twist on that religion) view, rather than the more typical blatantly anti-Christian (most specifically anti-Catholic) views used by many goth/dark/gloomy groups. While quiet about his faith, Groth is always open about the subject when asked. Although this is not always evident on any given song, or album. For example, 'Welcome To Earth' is almost entirely about the relationship of human beings to the rest of the universe and other potential intelligent life (and love), whereas the album '7' has a much more overt religious flavor.

All of the band's lyrics are in English.

The name "Apoptygma Berzerk", either has a secret meaning, or does not mean anything, depending on which interview you read. Groth claims that it 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.