Stromkern

Though they sound like they are a German industrial band Stromkern is actually based in Madison, WI. Formed in 1994 by James "Ned" Kirby. Kirby was originally a DJ in Madison, Wisconsin as a teenager, experimenting under the moniker "Flowers for Ravers" before founding Stromkern. Disenchanted with the music he was receiving as a DJ, he decided to start his own industrial act. His early compositions included the German-language Konzentrationslagen and Aussicht vom Rande der Nacht as well as a cover of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds' The Mercy Seat, all of which found favor on compilations. He was soon signed to German label Kodex/Sushia Light, and the resulting CD Flicker Like a Candle announced Stromkern to the club music scene. Stromkern now records for Dependent Records in Europe and WTII Records in North America.

After two successful albums and several singles as essentially a solo artist, musician/producer and friend Kelly Shaffer joined the lineup for Armageddon. Additional live members Matt Berger, Rob Wentz and later Tyler Newman joined the band for the recording of Light it Up.