Album Review: Apocalyptica - Shadowmaker

Nick Rasculinecz knows his craft and he knows it well.

The production on Shadowmaker is crisp, the kick drum popping like a burst cyst, the cellos swelling and rising and gestating, and church bells spelling out impending doom in the title track. There are some elements to Apocalyptica that should be too hard rock and kill the vibe (clean vocals, corny lyrics). Instead you find yourself grinning – somehow it’s awesome. Then you’ll be hit with a traditional metal passage, a juicy breakdown or even a cello solo that’ll have you celebrating pagan holidays.