Founded: 1993
Location: Finland
Apocalyptica is a Finnish symphonic metal band from Helsinki, formed in 1993. The band is composed of classically trained cellists Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen, and Perttu Kivilaakso, and jazz drummer Mikko Sirén. Originally a classical-style Metallica tribute band, the band eventually adopted a neoclassical metal style without the use of conventional guitars and bass. They have sold over four million albums to date.
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"[Apocalyptica] continue to push boundaries."
In the lead-up to their 'Plays Metallica By Four Cellos' run of shows, 'The Music' grabbed one of Apocalyptica’s said cellists, Eicca Toppinen, to talk us through his favourite Metallica tracks and why the group chose to perform them.
“Stunningly beautiful, yet with the brutality of a punch in the face."
"Budding musicians, put down that Stratocaster and pick up a Stradivarius; metal belongs to the cello."
We speak with Apocalyptica drummer Mikko Sirén ahead of the band's September Oz tour to talk set-lists, hip-hop drumming, and Scandinavian summer houses.
Mark the dates in your diaries
"You’ll be hit with a traditional metal passage, a juicy breakdown or even a cello solo"
An emotive and impressive fusion of rock and classical sounds.
"We will just take a break because the band has been existing for like seventeen years and in that time there has not been a proper break where we have not been doing something."