APOCALYPTICA
Cell-0 SILVER LINING MUSIC
Finland’s classical/metal masterminds go back to their roots IT’S HARD TO
believe that classical virtuosos Apocalyptica started life as a Metallica tribute band, so rich now is their back catalogue of original compositions. Their 1996 debut album, Plays Metallica By Four Cellos, is still their best-known release, but the Finns’ true legacy, bringing together the musical worlds of neoclassical and metal, stretches much further than that initial, trailblazing experiment.
The trio of cellists – Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen and Perttu Kivilaakso – have been adding vocals to their strings since 2000’s Cult, collaborating with guest vocalists including Corey Taylor, Till Lindemann and Cristina Scabbia over the years. But on their last album, 2015’s Shadowmaker, they hired former Scars On Broadway singer Franky Perez and, for the first time, made a proper ‘band’ album. It was a move that yielded a great, immediate record but, given Apocalyptica had never put much stock in conventional methods, also seemed to limit their potential.
Despite reports that they were considering Franky as a permanent member, Apocalyptica have been touring that debut album for the last two years and it’s that long stretch that has inspired a return to their instrumental roots. Cell-o is old school – just three dudes and their cellos, plus live drummer Mikko Sirén behind the kit. Brooding opener Ashes Of The Modern World and En Route To Mayhem are two of Apocalyptica’s heaviest tracks to date, with a crunchy ’Tallica vibe and full-pelt, perennially mind-boggling cello solos. Juxtaposed with the tranquil, therapeutic cry of Rise and stupendous closer Beyond The Stars, which is Muse-like in its extravagance, it feels like the band are back in their element. You don’t have to be a classical aficionado to appreciate this; Apocalyptica are coaxing more emotion and tone from their instruments than ever before, without saying a single word.
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FOR FANS OF: Sonata Arctica, Therion, Stratovarius
DANNII LEIVERS