Apocalyptica

Apocalyptica is one of the most unique and interesting metal bands out there, reason being that the band consists of all cello players, except the drummer who gives the band’s music a much needed punch in sound. All of the band members are also classically trained so you know you are in for a stellar performance when you see these guys live. The band initially started out as a Metallica tribute band playing all of their classic hits with some other cover songs thrown in such as Pantera’s “Domination”. Currently the band performs original songs that they composed, as well as still playing some cover songs. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that a band consisting of members who play classical instruments would want to perform in a metal band, as much of metal music has a strong classical influence.
Apocalyptica is able to create a loud, rich sound with their cellos. They run them through distortion pedals, and play rapid rhythms reminiscent of thrash metal. Although most of Apolcalyptica’s sound encompasses the metal genre, they have sometimes veered from that style and have incorporated Middle Eastern and world music into their performance. The band also incorporates theatrics that one would expect to see at a metal show into their performance. The members all have long hair that they shake around stage when head-banging, layers of fog fill the stage, and intense strobe lights flash to the rhythm of the music. The band is increasingly growing a larger fan base with already having sold four million albums. They have also gained the respect of many notable musicians who have collaborated with them in the past including Joe Duplantier from Gojira and Gavin Rossdale from Bush. Apocalyptica is guaranteed to put on an intense performance that is full of energy and that is the perfect representation of a sophisticated metal show.

Apolcalyptica, the Finnish metal rockers are one of the most unique bands on the circuit due to the fact they have substituted their guitars for cellos. The outcome is a dramatic take on a classic genre and with an expert drummer to keep the whole show in time, the group has gone on to entertain crowds globally.

The sound the musicians achieve is staggering and you have to take a moment from the pulsing rock to appreciate the musical abilities of the cello players. The crowds are made up of loyal fans and new converts who all remain continuously enthusiastic thanks to the baiting of Eicca Toppinen.

The band acts as a tight machine as they fly through a set taken from their spanning discography. Having began as a Metallica cover band, it seemed fitting for them to play 'Seek & Destroy' in their unique manner. The crowd claps the band on during an anthemic rendition of 'I Don't Care' as the stage lights become frenzied and illuminate the musicians as you see them ferociously playing the strings. An unconventional take on metal that really works, Apocalyptica could possibly be innovators of the genre.

Apocalyptica were a revelation for me, not having seen them live before! I loved the two-part separation of the concert- first being more soft the second being more hardcore.

The stage setting was just perfect! Simple screens behind each one of the members with discreet shapes and colours and the name of the band showing up high set the mood perfectly for what was about to occur on stage! Simple but just right! Music was the highlight of the night rather than the fancy colours and lights.

Apocalyptica were humorous with Eicca and Pertu taking centre stage in this aspect! Loved the jokes about the cold weather and the “rival” 2Cellos!

The acoustics of the room were great enabling us to enjoy the music which was amazing as always!

I will definitely do this again and again!!

Smashing! These guys are not just amazing musicians, they also know how to put on a show. I was really happy that they did a mix of old and new songs, with and without singer, with and without drums, even a few metallica covers. I'm not a huge fan of their new stuff, yet really enjoyed the concert.

The sound quality, as it's usual, was the only thing to woe about. The supporting band, vamps, was ok, and they also teamed up with apocalyptica for a brand new song.

Happy that I finally got the chance to see them live.

It was an amazing experience to see them live! The highlights for me were Bitersweet, Inquisition Symphony and In the hall of the mountain king by Grieg, when they presented the crowd a nice surprise. Their new song Till Death Do Us Part was great too, but the downsides were the old songs sang by the vocalist they chose to go on tour with them. His voice is too pop-ish for my taste, so for example "Not Strong Enough" and "I don't care" sounded completely different.

Hands down, best concert I've ever been to. Their set was amazing, and paired with the House of Blues venue and extremely active audience it made a memory for a lifetime. All the members of the band were extremely interactive with the audience - and damn are they the biggest flirts! Please come to San Diego again soon, Apocalyptica!

"Fifty Shades of Cello"

You've got to see them. They don't take themselves too seriously and they encourage the audience to sing along and rock out. There are some very powerful and stirring moments where the whole audience is entranced by their powerful abilities ..

And they played my favorite Metallica song, One. \m/

Amazing show. Very entertaining band at a great venue (Ace of Spades in Sacramento). Would see them again in a heartbeat. It's hard to believe they make so much interesting music with just cello's and a drum set. Listening to the album you would swear there are guitars and basses galore.

Simply amazing! One of the best concerts I've ever been! The sound was perfect! No echoing, no ups and downs. The image and light show was fantastic! The band's performance and charisma were way above my expectations. A was a fan before, but now I love them!

Concert and the place was better than I expected. No matter how they play the first half while all the audience is seating, they eventually let people to come closer and listen them as it is a metal concert. So don't worry if your view is not that good.