Apocalyptica Plays Metallica Vol. 2
Throwdown Entertainment
Release: 7 June 2024
In the realm of heavy metal, few acts can boast of reshaping history, and fewer still can claim to have done so twice. Enter Apocalyptica, a band whose journey from classical training to metal mastery has become the stuff of legend, now set to come full circle with their latest endeavor.
Thirty years ago, amidst the dominance of giants from the 70s and 80s, a wave of emerging artists began challenging the boundaries of heavy music. Then, Apocalyptica emerged, wielding cellos as their weapon of choice, shattering conventions with their debut album, “Plays Metallica By Four Cellos,” released in 1996.
Formed in 1993 at the prestigious Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland, Apocalyptica was initially a tribute to Metallica by four classically-trained musicians. However, their unique interpretation of metal classics propelled them onto a trajectory of unparalleled success.
“We just loved Metallica and we wanted to play it with the instruments we were able to play, which just happened to be cellos,” recalls founding member Eicca Toppinnen. “We played a metal club in Helsinki, and then we were asked to do an album and we thought the guy must be kidding. Like, who listens to this shit on record? And then like five months after it was released we were opening for Metallica. It’s still unbelievable to me.”
Since then, Apocalyptica has sold over six million records worldwide, embarked on relentless tours across the globe, and collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Ville Valo of HIM, Corey Taylor of Slipknot, and Dave Lombardo of Slayer.
However, perhaps their most significant achievement lies in their relationship with Metallica themselves. Not only have they performed at Metallica’s 30th-anniversary shows in 2011, but they’ve also forged a deep friendship rooted in mutual respect between the musicians.
Inspired by the success of their 25th-anniversary tour for “Plays Metallica By Four Cellos,” Apocalyptica embarked on a new project, resulting in the album “Plays Metallica, Vol. 2.” Produced by Joe Barresi, the album is more than a mere compilation of hits; it’s a testament to Metallica’s vast creative range and dynamic.
“We’ve been talking about making another Metallica album for around 20 years, as there were still so many great songs we wanted to play!” says Perttu Kivilaakso. “Thinking of that teenage me who is now getting to play his favorite tracks gives me goosebumps!”
What sets this album apart is the inclusion of Metallica bassist Rob Trujillo on a storming rendition of ‘The Four Horsemen’, marking a milestone in Apocalyptica’s journey.
“It’s the coolest thing,” says Eicca. “We didn’t push – it was offered. Metallica have always done things with passion, and they’ve always been brave enough to do different things. There’s honor in that struggle and a certain honesty in everything that they do, and that’s true for us, too.”
With “Plays Metallica, Vol. 2,” Apocalyptica not only continues their homage to one of metal’s greatest bands but solidifies their own legacy as innovators in the genre.
Track Listing:
1. Ride the Lightning
2. St. Anger
3. The Unforgiven II
4. Blackened
5. The Call of Ktulu
6. The Four Horsemen (Ft. Robert Trujillo)
7. Holier Than Thou
8. To Live is to Die
9. One
10. One (Instrumental)
Band Members:
Eicca Toppinen – cellos
Paavo Lötjönen – cellos
Perttu Kivilaakso – cellos
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