Review Summary: Catchy, original and quite beautiful.
First of all, Apocalyptica is one of the most original bands of today. Its core is composed of four graduates of the prestigious Sibelius Academy in Finland, four cellos playing classical/metal music. Their first album, PLAYS METALLICA BY FOUR CELLOS, was released in 1996 and has sold over 800,000 copies world wide. It is only comprised of these four artists covering classic Metallica songs. They have evolved greatly since then, adding drums and sometimes vocals to their lineup.
APOCALYPTICA opens with a nice flowing song called "Life Burns!" featuring vocals by Lauri Ylonen from The Rasmus. Fast paced and catchy, it will surelly get you interested in the band. Another single that was released from this album is "Bittersweet" feating both Lauri Ylonen and Ville Valo from H.I.M. The contrast between the two voices make it weird at first but ends up pleasing the ears. This album also features Dave Lombardo from Slayer doing the drums parts for Betrayal/Forgiveness.
This album has some great heavy metal riffs but is also comprised of light and sweet cello sections. Examples for this kind of contrasts are "Fisheye", which literally whips you off into a maelstrom of blistering drum part and two ton cello sequences, and the beautiful "Farewell".
The album ends with a nice and soft composition called "Deathzone", but if you listen longer there is a version of the second track "Quutamo" with added vocals by a french chanteuse named Manon released in France as a single renamed "En Vie".
Standout tracks:
-Life Burns!
-Bittersweet
-Fisheye
-Betrayal/Forgiveness
