Some of you may have heard of them, but chances are some of you have not. That is why I'm here to tell you about the cello rock sensation know as Apocalyptica. That's right... cello rock.
It's understandable that a person could hear the opening rifts to a song like Distraction or Misconstruction, both off their recent self-titled album, and mistake those amazing rock beats as guitars instead of cellos.
It is high time a group like this came along and changed our opinions of what is possible with different instrument and with music in general. In my opinion I think it's great that there are groups and artists willing to think out of the box and try styles of music that other people may never have considered before.
Apocalyptica, Nightwish, Within Temptation, Kamelot, Epica, Tarja (solo artist and formerly the vocalist for Nightwish) are only a few such groups who have fused different instruments and genres into a more streamlined modern sound that we know and love to call symphonic rock or symphonic metal. Its different, beautiful, and unlike anything else mainstream today.
The band itself, though, is composed of classically trained cellists and in 2003 drummer Mikko Sirén was made an official part of the band. Classical music is often looked down upon by the younger generation and a group like Apocalyptica helps bring this genre back to the fore and helps foster an interest in it. Or at the very least it helps generate a deeper respect for this kind of music.
Featuring a slightly different lineup, Apocalyptica got their start by doing Metallica covers at Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland. Not long after they then released their first album Plays Metallica by Four Cellos.
Their next album Inquisition featured cover songs by Metallica, Faith No More, Pantera, and Sepultra and is rounded out by three originals by band leader Eicca Toppinen. Following are albums containing mostly original pieces along with a variety of guest singers.
Apocalyptica has been going strong since 1993 and shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. They are currently on tour with Japanese metal group Dir En Gray and still have shows scheduled across America in various states. You can check the official website to see if there is a concert near you.
Their new album 7th Symphony comes out today in the United States and can be purchased off iTunes. Buy the deluxe album off iTunes and it will come with 13 songs and 6 live performance videos as well.
7th Symphony is certain to please old and new fans alike as well as provide the unmistakable sound that is undeniably rock but is also subtly fused with classical undertones. This is Apocalyptica and we wouldn't want them any other way.
Apocalyptica is taking over the world one concert at a time
It's understandable that a person could hear the opening rifts to a song like Distraction or Misconstruction, both off their recent self-titled album, and mistake those amazing rock beats as guitars instead of cellos.
It is high time a group like this came along and changed our opinions of what is possible with different instrument and with music in general. In my opinion I think it's great that there are groups and artists willing to think out of the box and try styles of music that other people may never have considered before.
Apocalyptica, Nightwish, Within Temptation, Kamelot, Epica, Tarja (solo artist and formerly the vocalist for Nightwish) are only a few such groups who have fused different instruments and genres into a more streamlined modern sound that we know and love to call symphonic rock or symphonic metal. Its different, beautiful, and unlike anything else mainstream today.
Current lineup from left to right: Mikko Sirén/drums, Eicca Toppinen/cello, Perttu Kivilaakso/cello, Paavo Lötjönen/cello
The band itself, though, is composed of classically trained cellists and in 2003 drummer Mikko Sirén was made an official part of the band. Classical music is often looked down upon by the younger generation and a group like Apocalyptica helps bring this genre back to the fore and helps foster an interest in it. Or at the very least it helps generate a deeper respect for this kind of music.
Featuring a slightly different lineup, Apocalyptica got their start by doing Metallica covers at Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland. Not long after they then released their first album Plays Metallica by Four Cellos.
Their next album Inquisition featured cover songs by Metallica, Faith No More, Pantera, and Sepultra and is rounded out by three originals by band leader Eicca Toppinen. Following are albums containing mostly original pieces along with a variety of guest singers.
Press shoot for their video End of Me released in July. It features Gavin Rossdale (third from left)
End of Me is the latest single and comes off their new album 7th Symphony. Gavin Rossdale is only one of the guest appearances on the album and he is better known for being the vocalist for British alternative rock band Bush.
Apocalyptica has been going strong since 1993 and shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. They are currently on tour with Japanese metal group Dir En Gray and still have shows scheduled across America in various states. You can check the official website to see if there is a concert near you.
7th Symphony is certain to please old and new fans alike as well as provide the unmistakable sound that is undeniably rock but is also subtly fused with classical undertones. This is Apocalyptica and we wouldn't want them any other way.
