Apocalyptica

In 1993, four classically trained cellists at the Sibelius Academy formed a symphonic heavy metal cello ensemble, originally to play Metallica covers. Later, Apocalyptica began composing original music, blending metal with classical and adding vocals and percussion.

Having played more than 500 concerts in over 60 countries on all continents, Apocalyptica have been Finland's top musical export for almost two decades. Deres seneste projekt "Apocalyptic Symphony" drog ud på sin første turne nogensinde med Avanti! Chamber Orchestra og spillede 14 koncerter i seks lande sidste år.

Programmet for Amsterdam Cello Biennale 2014 opsummerer Apocalypticas status i dag: “The most popular cello ensemble in the world is a heavy metal band. Finland’s Apocalyptica fill stadiums, have an enormous fan base and are, for a lot of fans, the beginning of a life-long love of the cello.”

Current line up: Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen and Perttu Kivilaakso – cello; Mikko Sirén – drums.