Plays Metallica by Four Cellos

Performer: Apocalyptica
Producer: Pekka Ritaluoto; Pekka Ritaluoto
Distributor: Fontana Distribution

Notes: APOCALYPTICA PLAYS METALLICA BY FOUR CELLOS features instrumental cello arrangements of Metallica songs. Apocalyptica: Max Lilja, Antero Manninen, Paavo Lotjonen, Eicca Toppinen (cello). Personnel: Antero Manninen, Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lotjonen, Max Lilja (cello). Photographer: Juha Laine. The premise of a cello-playing four piece (from Finland, no less) performing the music of Metallica may seem outrageous at first, but much of the metal gods' repertoire translates surprisingly well into this "classical" reading. And while Apocalyptica chooses to concentrate on more recent hits like "Enter Sandman," "Sad But True" and "Wherever I May Roam" for obvious commercial purposes, it is Metallica's earlier, more complex compositions, like "Master of Puppets," "Creeping Death," and "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)," which actually work best in this scenario. The quartet's love and understanding of the music is the real key here, and their attention to detail and technically flawless performance will no doubt satisfy even the most skeptical of fans. And while it is unlikely that this album will interest non-Metallica fans, it obviously inspired the band themselves to explore the classical direction on their own terms with 1999's S&M album. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia

Entertainment Weekly (4/11/97, pp.84-85) - "...a vicious delight that retains the raucous spirit of the originals....Way better--and louder--than any novelty record." - Rating: B

Formed by four like-minded cellists to create bizarre, wraithlike covers of heavy metal giants, Apocalyptica were an unlikely act to forge a lasting career. Yet over a decade after its debut CD, 1996's self-explanatory APOCALYPTICA PLAYS METALLICA BY FOUR CELLOS, took college radio by storm, the Finnish outfit were selling out arenas and scoring major rock hits. Far from a gimmick doomed to wear thin, Apocalyptica's cello rock dexterously explores the connection and chasm between classical and metal, balancing majestic, intricate covers with dark originals.

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