Apocalyptica

One of the things that helps human beings break silence is music. Remaining true to my bizzare taste and style one of my all time favorite bands is Apocalyptica.

Apocalyptica is a Finnish band consisting of three classically trained cellists,Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen, Perttu Kivilaakso and (since 2003) a drummer, Mikko Sirén. Their speciality is heavy metal music played on cellos, though they also play classical music. They are all former students of the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki.

Their first album, Plays Metallica by Four Cellos, consisted solely of Metallica covers. For their second album Inquisition Symphony, they added covers of Faith No More, Sepultura and Pantera, as well as three original songs. For their fourth album, Reflections, they developed their style of cello rock further; adding drums and developing a more electronic sound, instead of the previous acoustic style arrangement found on Inquisition Symphony and Cult.

In 1999, Antero Manninen left the band, being replaced by Perttu Kivilaakso. Max Lilja left in 2002, leaving Apocalyptica with only three members. Dave Lombardo did the drumming for five tracks on Reflections and for one track on Apocalyptica. Lombardo was unable to tour with the group from the beginning so Mikko Sirén filled the position and is now officially the fourth member of Apocalyptica. During concerts Antero Manninen also supports the group as fourth cellist.

Their energy during live shows is uncomparable. The way they manipulate the cello, as if it was a light as a feather and their perfect execution make any heavy metal lover an inmediate fan. Talent, style, originality are few appropiate adjectives to describe their personalities and style. Never fearing new things, they have added lyrics to a couple of their songs. The lyrics do not compete with the music nor vice versa.

They may confound some and inspire others, but whatever you make of them, APOCALYPTICA are originals, and theirs has been a rock 'n' roll fairy tale come true.

I so want another tour.