The Baltics’ Apocalyptica

KAUNAS - Finland’s music revolutionaries Apocalyptica will once again present a novelty – for the first time in the band’s history, the globally successful cello rockers are going on tour with a classical orchestra. The ambitious production with the prestigious Finnish “Avanti! Orchestra” will premier in March of 2014.

Apocalyptica was formed in 1993. The band is composed of classically trained cellists Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lotjonen, and Perttu Kivilaakso (all three of whom are graduates of the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki) and drummer Mikko Siren. Originally a Metallica tribute band, their music borrows elements from a wide variety of genres including classical music, neoclassical metal, speed metal, alternative metal, post-grunge, hard rock, progressive metal, thrash metal and symphonic metal. They also incorporate some influences from Middle Eastern music, world music and folk music. They have sold over four million albums to date.

In 1996, Apocalyptica released their debut studio album, ‘Plays Metallica by Four Cellos,’ which consisted solely of Metallica covers played on cellos. They were later featured on two songs on the Waltari album ‘Space Avenue’ in 1997. In 1998, Apocalyptica released their second studio album, ‘Inquisition Symphony,’ which was produced by Hiili Hiilesmaa. ‘Inquisition Symphony’ once again contained covers of Metallica, but also contained covers of ‘Faith No More,’ ‘Sepultura,’ and ‘Pantera.’ For this album the band also decided to include three original songs written by Eicca Toppinen.

After concluding the 7th Symphony world tour in Beijing in September 2012, Apocalyptica took a year off from touring and recording. During the break the band worked on a crossover musical and theatrical project titled ‘Wagner Reloaded,’ combining Wagner’s music with the sound of Apocalyptica, to celebrate German composer Richard Wagner’s 200th birthday with two live performances in Wagner’s birthplace Leipzig July 5–6, 2013. Toppinen arranged and composed the music, and the band performed live on stage as part of the production. In November 2013, the band released an album titled ‘Wagner Reloaded-Live in Leipzig,’ comprising original music recorded live at the event.

On May 10, 2013, Apocalyptica released ‘Psalm,’ a new song that Kivilaakso performed on their most recent tour. The band also announced a tour with Finnish Avanti! Chamber Orchestra, premiering in March 2014. The set will consist solely of instrumentally performed Apocalyptica songs, especially arranged for the band and the 25-piece orchestra.
Apocalyptica have played over 1,000 concerts in more than 50 countries, released seven studio albums and worked with renowned artists like Corey Taylor (Slipknot), Gavin Rossdale (Bush), Dave Lombardo (Slayer), Ville Valo (HIM), and Till Lindemann (Rammstein), just to mention a few. The university graduate musicians, whose signature feature is to constantly explore uncharted territory, started to blend rock and metal with classical music in the early nineties, celebrating worldwide success until today.

During their 15 performing years, Apocalyptica has gained global acknowledgement, critical acclaim, an army of followers and a reputation as one of the most exciting bands to watch live. Each Apocalyptica concert is provided with state of the art sound- and light systems, complicated requisites and stage design. Apocalyptica’s signature is interesting dramaturgy, powerful drive and a unique soundsphere. They have shared the stage with names such as Rammstein, Slipknot, HIM, Guano Apes, Rammstein, Bullet For My Valentine, Three Days Grace, Shinedown, Gojira, Oomph.

Apocalyptica
March 21 – Zalgiris Arena, Kaunas
March 22 – Arena Riga
March 23 – Saku Arena, Tallinn
Tickets are available at www.bilietai.lt; www.bilesuserviss.lv and www.piletilevi.ee