Show: Apocalyptica
Date: September 9, 2010
Venue: Club Nokia
City: Los Angeles, CA
Apocalyptica
Photos by Nicolas Bates
Written by Nicolas Bates
Early September brought the mid-size Club Nokia the larger-than-life powerhouse of orchestral metal that is the band Apocalyptica. Apocalyptica has had a hardcore fanbase since their debut release in 1996, “Plays Metallica by Four Cellos,” and it only seems to have expanded. Since then, metal heads, and non-metal heads alike, have been drawn to Apocalyptica’s unique blend of contemporary metal covers and original orchestral pieces. These guys do it like no one else.
The 3 classically trained cellists hit the stage hard and commenced their set with Metallica’s “Wherever I May Roam”. Cellist Paavo Lötjönen took to screaming James Hetfield’s lyrics at an audible volume, which only seemed to entice the already revved up crowd. Even to the untrained ear and eye, it was very apparent from the onset that this band is in a class of their own. Each member plucked, strummed, and made their upbows and downbows appear to be so gorgeously violent. This was passion.
The band’s set never lacked any form of energy. Whether they were headbanging across the stage, or cellist Eicca Toppinen had addressed them, the crowd never lost excitement for what it was they were witnessing. For tracks, “End of Me” and “I’m Not Jesus,” off the latest, “7th Symphony,” vocalist Tipe Johnson appeared on stage to step it up a notch. Although Tipe did not record with Apocalyptica on “7th Symphony,” no one was the wiser, I assure you.
After blasting the crowd with nearly 220 shredding BPM at times, Eicca Toppinen again addressed the crowd and asked, “I know you like Metallica, but do you like beautiful cello music?” The crowd roared and Eicca was affirmed of what he already knew to be the answer. The band sat down, for the first time that night, and drummer Mikko Sirén rushed over to join the band at the front of the stage. There he would graciously play his single floor tom for the next two classical pieces, “Beautiful” and “Sacra”. Both of these pieces were astonishing in every sense of the word, and showed the extreme versatility and talent of Apocalyptica. The crowd became instantly mesmerized.
One more song was played before an announcement was made that more manpower was necessary. Eicca then welcomed Tipe Johnson and vocalist Kyo from Dir En Grey (who had played previously that night) on stage for what was to be, “a world premiere for the next song.” After a brief moment, Apocalyptica and Kyo ripped into the song, “Bring Them To Light,” where Kyo was really able to showcase his amazing guttural growls, high shrieks and standard singing skills. Shortly thereafter, Apocalyptica finished out their night with an encore of, “I Don’t Care” and classic piece, “Hall of the Mountain King”.
With genres being broken everyday, Apocalyptica still maintain an originality that no one or no band can ever take away from them. They have crossed lines and boundaries that no one had dare cross before them, and they have been greatly rewarded for it. To date, the band is said to have played 850 to 1000 shows in 50 countries. I do not see why that number will ever cease to grow.