Apocalyptica is one of the most fascinating musical phenomena of recent decades – a band that managed to merge the world of classical music with the uncompromising energy of metal. When they released their debut album Plays Metallica by Four Cellos in 1996, few expected that a student experiment would evolve into a project that would win millions of fans worldwide. Three cellos, later joined by drums, managed to replace guitars and bass, resulting in a sound that felt both familiar and entirely new – raw yet majestic.
Moving beyond cover versions, the Finns quickly shifted to their own original compositions, where symphonic grandeur, dramatic melodies, and the heaviness of classic metal blend seamlessly. Albums like Cult and Reflections proved that Apocalyptica is far from a mere curiosity – they are a fully-fledged band with a unique signature style. Their concerts are always monumental experiences, ranging from delicate, almost cinematic passages to explosive bursts of energy where the cellos roar like the loudest guitars. Apocalyptica has thus earned their place as a band standing between two worlds, yet ruling both with mastery.
In 2024, however, Apocalyptica returned to their roots with the release of Apocalyptica Plays Metallica Vol. 2 – and it is precisely this record that the Finnish ensemble will present live in Spálené Poříčí!