"Soli Deo Gloria" is the debut studio album by Norwegian futurepop band Apoptygma Berzerk. It was originally released in 1993 and re-released in 2003 for the 10th anniversary, and then again in 2018 as "SDGXXV" in an updated and expanded edition.
The album, whose title roughly translates to "Glory to God Alone," was effective in establishing Apoptygma Berzerk's prominence in the European electro scene. Notable for its unique blend of electronic and synthpop influences on tracks like "Bitch" and "Burnin' Heretic", the album is highly experimental, yet grounded in strong melodies and catchy hooks.
The band's lead, Stephan Groth, was deeply involved in the album's creation. His musical blend drew from a variety of influences including new wave bands, industrial music trends, and synthpop outfits of the time, crafting a distinctive sound that placed the band on the global map for electro-industrial music.
"Soli Deo Gloria" cemented Apoptygma Berzerk's place in the music scene and paved the way for future albums that expanded on the band's innovative, genre-mixing sound. Today, it remains a pivotal album within their discography and a significant influence in European alternative electronic music.
