Apocalyptica

Apocalyptica is a Finnish group from Helsinki, active since 1993. It begins as a classical-style tribute act to Metallica and later develops into a symphonic and neoclassical metal project built around cellos rather than conventional guitars and bass. The group is associated with heavy metal, alternative metal, instrumental rock, instrumental metal and neoclassical metal.

Line-up and formation

The project forms in Helsinki in 1993. It centres on classically trained cellists, and across its history includes Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen, Perttu Kivilaakso, Antero Manninen, Max Lilja and Mikko Sirén. The bio describes the core line-up as three cellists: Toppinen, Lötjönen and Kivilaakso.

Style and recordings

Apocalyptica is known for adapting metal material for cello ensemble performance and for developing a sound that does not depend on standard rock instrumentation. Its studio albums include Plays Metallica by Four Cellos, Inquisition Symphony, Cult, Reflections, Apocalyptica, Worlds Collide, 7th Symphony, Shadowmaker, Cell-0 and Plays Metallica, Vol. 2.

Reach

The group has sold more than four million albums worldwide.