Photos and Review by Colleen Goyer
Show photos HERE
Apocalyptica, a symphonic metal band from Helsinki, Finland, put a twist on the metal sound with a focus on the music of Metallica while performing at Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut. I wasn’t really sure what to expect but liking both Metallica and classical music it sounded like an in interesting combination. The band immediately impressed me and the rest of the crowd packed into the Wolf’s Den. The band is currently comprised of four classically trained cellists, Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen, Perttu Kivilaakso and a fourth that unfortunately I could not find a spelling for and would not even attempt to guess at. The group performed 2 sets, the first with just the cello’s was a little calmer but still definitely metal. Toppinen and Kivikaakso shared the vocals throughout the evening with all four members taking solo opportunities. The second set kicked it up to a notch or two with the addition of drummer Mikko Sirén. The music was harder and louder. The performance was filled with hair spinning, cello lifting, standing (rather than sitting) and no shortage of solos including on the large drum kit.
Although you might not think of cellos as metal band instruments, their renditions of Metallica hits including Enter Sandman, Master of Puppets, Harvester of Sorrow, Sad But True and Creeping Death will definitely make you believe they can be. Really didn’t miss the guitars at all. They have released a remastered version of Plays Metallica by Four Cello’s, their first of many albums. Definitely not your standard cello music. If you are a Metallica or metal fan it’s absolutely worth checking them out!