Apocalyptica is a multi-platinum symphonic metal band from Helsinki, Finland.
Apocalyptica first formed as a metal tribute quartet. Then the band worked in the neoclassical metal genre, without the use of conventional guitars.
Debut of Apocalyptica
The debut album Plays Metallica by Four Cellos (1996), although provocative, was well received by critics and fans of extreme music around the world.
The hard sound (often accompanied by other musicians) is created using sophisticated classical techniques, the ability to rethink the use of instruments, as well as percussive riffs.
The group has succeeded in turning their music into a popular neoclassical wave around the world.
Collaborations with other artists
Apocalyptica was originally a quartet that only included cellos. But later the group became a trio, then a drummer and a vocalist joined. In 7th Symphony (2010) they worked with drummer Dave Lombardo (Slayer) and vocalists Gavin Rossdale (Bush) and Joe Duplantier (Gojira).
The musicians also made guest appearances on Sepultura and Amon Amarth albums. They once toured as a backing band for Nina Hagen.
The evolution of the sound of Apocalyptica
While Apocalyptica's sound shifted from thrash metal to a softer one, the band released two albums: Cult and Shadowmaker. The sound has evolved, now it's a progressive, symphonic metal sound.
Apocalyptica originally consisted of classically trained cellists: Eikki Toppinen, Max Lilja, Antero Manninen and Paavo Lotjonen.
First success
The band performed internationally in 1996 with Plays Metallica by Four Cellos. This album combined their formal cello experience with their love of heavy metal.
The album became popular with both classical fans and metalheads. Two years later, Apocalyptica resurfaced with Inquisition Symphony. It featured cover versions of Faith No More and Pantera material.
Soon Manninen left the group and was replaced by Perttu Kivilaakso.
The band members also added double bass and percussion to the mix for Cult (2001) and Reflections (2003), which featured guest drummer Dave Lombardo from Slayer. Max Lilja left the band and Mikko Siren joined as permanent drummer.
Subsequent works of the Apocalyptic group
Reflections was re-released as Reflections Revised with a bonus track featuring diva Nina Hagen. In 2005, the eponymous work Apocalyptica was released.
In 2006, the Amplified: A Decade of Reinventing the Cello collection was released. The band returned to the studio the following year for Worlds Collide.
Vocalist of the group Rammstein Till Lindemann appeared on the album singing the German version of David Bowie's Helden. Apocalyptica released a live album in 2008. This was followed by the adventurous 7th Symphony (2010) with performances by Gavin Rossdale, Brent Smith (Shinedown), Lacey Mosley (Flyleaf).
In 2013 the band released the ambitious CD Wagner Reloaded: Live in Leipzig. And in 2015, the musicians released their eighth studio album Shadowmaker. They eschewed a changing line-up of vocalists in favor of relying on the talent of Frankie Perez.
Throughout 2017 and the following year, the band toured to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut album.
Plays Metallica: Live was released in the spring of 2019 while the band was writing and recording a studio album.
A few reasons to get acquainted with the work of the group
1) They created their own unique genre.
Apocalyptica entered the scene in 1996. Nobody has ever seen such musicians. Not only did they change the way people view metal, they also created the genre of symphonic metal on the cello.
While many have followed in their footsteps, no one has done so with the same talent and drive. The album Plays Metallica by Four Cellos was a new approach to hits from a metal band. The band Apocalyptica continues to play in the same vein all these years.
2) Mastery of playing on stage.
Every time Apocalyptica takes the stage, it's clear how much they love it. With Antero on the last tour, the band was at the top of their game. It was interesting to watch the interaction between the four cellists and the drummer.
The amazing quality of the game and their incredible energy is mesmerizing. The group easily moves from slow symphonic masterpieces to hard and energetic rock songs. The musicians took the audience on a journey of emotions that left everyone satisfied by the end of the concert.
3) Humor.
The band has never taken themselves very seriously and they are not afraid to have fun on and off stage. There are always a few humorous moments in their sets. One of the highlights was Antero being bullied and Perttu daring to invite Paavo to dance. He quickly accepted his offer. And he pulled out a chair and stood up to dance a striptease, pulled down his pants and showed everyone his boxer shorts.
4) Friendship.
It's rare to find a band that stays together as long as they're performing, recording material, continuing to enjoy traveling and playing. But the fact that the members of Apocalyptica continue to enjoy being with each other was inspiring. Their interaction on stage is one of the key parts of their live performances. And also one of the many reasons why "fans" keep coming back to this group.
The ability to change the usual sound. Apocalyptica has never been afraid to experiment and try new things. And over the years, the band has expanded their "original" sound, not only creating their own compositions, but also adding vocals, percussion instruments and playing in different genres. The musicians have sold over 4 million albums worldwide.
