Apocalyptica – wow that’s hard to spell – 4 cellists that play metal music; with only 4 instruments.
As I’m standing in the corner before the show starts, smoking in this little grassy knoll that’s barricaded off (so the smoke doesn’t get out? I’ve never understood this concept…) sweating like a thief in front of a sheriff, I wonder if 4 instruments will be able to pull off 2 hours of Metallica.
Making my way back to the place I’ll perch for the show, it occurs to me that the translation from band to cello should work nicely. It’s not like Metallica is a a 7 piece band not to mention, cellos have *parts*… and if anyone can pull off metal behind four stringed instruments, it will be the Finns, specifically these Finns.
Since they formed in 1993, Finnish orchestral rock band Apocalyptica has released six studio albums featuring numerous cello-based instrumentals along with some vocal-based songs. Whatever styles they’ve explored – from atmospheric interludes to fast, battering rhythms – their music has been gripping, dynamic and full of melody. But with their seventh album, 7th Symphony the band has composed an album that not just symphonic, it’s practically a symphony.
I gotta say though, my seats are ballz close. Like I’m on the second row. So close that if I put my specs on, I can tell if they’re lip synching… Side bar on the venue, this is a swanky joint. Like I’m not sure all us Metalheads are supposed to be in or around something as shiny as Strauss Square, even if it is outside. We might get a little rowdy and fuck some shit up! They probably put us out here in case we all decided to revolt and light something on fire.
Nah, were all too old and tired for that, but do not dare me to do anything of the sort because I swear to Thor, I will.
Running almost 30 minutes behind the posted start time, the cellists took their places on stage and began playing. I must say, the first song, I had to switch the gears in my mind so I wouldn’t miss any majestic moments. Hearing songs like Enter Sandman, Nothing Else Matters, and Wherever I May Roam interpreted and exquisitely played by just four cellos, is quite moving. Getting your brain to get on board the train does take some hard steering because you’re hearing METALLICA; the heavy metal giants – that back in the day split open our skills with a new spin on metal. METALLICA, the band that the old folks thought was responsible for warping our minds with devil music…ya, this METALLICA! And lo and behold, I’m sitting watching four cellists play these songs that are now permanently stamped into Metal Music’s ID dog tags as music that literally changed the landscape of rock – these four cellists are playing that music. And it’s good – I mean really good!
The dynamic of EICCA TOPPINEN, PERTTU KIVILAAKSO, PAAVO LÖTJÖNEN, AND MIKKO SIRÉN onstage are super! The stage is set with literally, four backdrops about 5 feet in between, a black box seat, and the cellists. That’s all, nothing else, nada. For this show, after the intermission (ya, there was one of these at this rock show – frankly, I think someone should bring this concept to some types of rock shows; instead of 13 bands on a bill maybe have 4 and a longer break in between…I don’t know, just kinda thinking out loud because the intermission was not something that happens at rock shows – I guess you could call set changes mini-intermissions, but it’s not the same, honestly) a drum kit was put onstage and the backdrops were removed so the stage looked more like a band performing.
Some people are probably wondering how entertaining two plus hours of just four cellists could be; how those four were going to keep an audience alert and awake (especially since a lot of us have reached that age where despite what you’re attending or doing, as soon as the lights dim, you immediately start to doze off. What is that by the way? I mean, it could be morning and god forbid the lights are dimmed wherever I am, because my head is going to start nodding and my eyes get heavy…I hate that!!)? Well, thank God I’m here to tell you: there’s nothing to get in the way of a lack of entertainment. These performers are rockstars through and through; headbanging, hair blowing, rock expressions (except from MIKKO SIREN, who is amazingly stoic and serious – nothing taking away from his playing, he’s just pretty brilliant and that “look” I’m sure is part of his stage presence). PETTRU KIVILAAKSO and PAAVO LÖTJÖNEN really played to the audience, getting everyone singing, clapping and waving hands.
EICCA TOPPINEN, the founding member of APOCALYPTICA back in 1993. Along with playing tribute to METALLICA and other band’s music, the band has recorded twelve or so albums, of which several are their own music. This band of Finns are very talented and have their hands in film, producing, and other aspects of the arts. And this makes APOCALYPTICA even more appealing because of the versatility of the members of the band and the clearly visible fact that their love of music reaches far beyond the realms of rock.
After the intermission, the band invited everyone to rush the stage and join them in front, which was really great. I learned something from this part of the show; that you can fling yourself around like a guitarist, or bassist, playing the cello. There were times I forgot that the music was coming from cellos and not a four piece band.
The band remains on tour in the US for a few more dates and if you have the opportunity to catch them, do so. You’ll walk away feeling like you’ve just been a little educated on classical music, learn a little about the songs of METALLICA themselves, and most importantly, see four cellists bring the metal with four cellos!
Til Next Time – MRML – Cherri
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Another Face In The Crowd Photography
2018 TOUR DATES
7-May Spokane, WA Martin Woldson Theatre at the Fox
8-May Salem, OR Historic Elsinore Theatre
9-May Modesto, CA Gallo Center for the Arts
10-May Berkeley, CA The UC Theatre
11-May Riverside, CA Fox Performing Arts Center
12-May Tucson, AZ Rialto Theatre
13-May Chandler, AZ Chandler Center For The Arts
15-May Austin, TX Emo’s
16-May Dallas, TX Strauss Square
17-May Oklahoma City, OK Tower Theatre
18-May Kansas City, MO Uptown Theater
19-May Indianapolis, IN Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
20-May Cleveland, OH Agora Theatre and Ballroom
22-May Royal Oak, MI Royal Oak Music Theatre
23-May Buffalo, NY Asbury Hall
24-May Philadelphia, PA The Fillmore
25-May Portland, ME State Theatre
26-May Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Casino – Wolf Den
27-May Albany, NY The Egg
29-May Ridgefield, CT Ridgefield Playhouse
30-May Montclair, NJ The Wellmont Theater
31-May Westbury, NY Theatre at Westbury
