Words and Photos: Louie Galvez
https://www.instagram.com/mata.ni.louie/
Nita Strauss, who made history as the first woman to be the official guitarist for the Los Angeles Rams football team and spent eight years playing with rock legend Alice Cooper, delivered an electrifying concert at Brooklyn Paramount in New York City on February 11, as she opened the stage with her band, showcasing her exceptional guitar prowess and high-energy performance. Engaging with the audience, she allowed her guitar to convey powerful emotions as the band fiercely played tracks such as “Our Most Desperate Hour” and “Alegria” from her latest solo venture.
Strauss consistently demonstrated her remarkable stage presence, and Kasey Karlsen excelled in capturing the diverse styles required to bring the songs from the new album to life. The performance was a vibrant spectacle, enhanced by a captivating light show that highlighted the musicianship of each band member, who seamlessly complemented Strauss’s extraordinary talents. Following the concert, Nita graciously signed autographs and posed for selfies with her devoted fans.
Next up is the headliner: Apocalyptica plays Metallica Pt. 2. The band started in 1993 when four classically trained cellists from Helsinki, Finland, decided to play Metallica songs on their cellos. What began as a unique tribute project grew into something bigger – they’ve since created their own music and worked with many famous metal artists. Apocalyptica is noted for their technical skill, energetic performances, and ability to create a variety of sounds. The group performs at incredible speed, often while careering around the stage. They’ve pushed their cellos beyond traditional boundaries, creating a distinct sound that amalgamates soaring harmonies with punchy riffs. Their performances demonstrate that Metallica’s compositions work beyond metal arrangements, proving just as impressive in a different context.
As the lights dim and the crowd roars in anticipation, Apocalyptica takes the stage, their cellos gleaming under the spotlight. The opening notes of “Ride the Lightning” to “Enter Sandman,” concluding with “One,” resonate through the venue, instantly igniting a wave of excitement. The band’s unique arrangement breathes new life into the iconic track, transforming it into an orchestral masterpiece. Each stroke of the bow is purposeful, weaving together the heavy riffs with lush melodies that captivate the audience.
As the final notes of their set resonate, the crowd erupts into applause, further proof to Apocalyptica’s ability to shift the expected and deliver a performance that is both exhilarating and profound. In a world where genres often clash, Apocalyptica stands as a bridge, showcasing the beauty of musical exploration and the untraditional power of creativity.
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