Apocalyptica

Apocalyptica is a Finnish band composite of three (formerly four) violoncellists after classical music education and a percussionist. They play cello rock, joining serious music with metal.

History
Apocalyptica was created in year 1996 by four violoncellists. In the same year they recorded their first record “Plays Metallica by Four Cellos”, which contained only Metallica covers. In year 1998 Apocalyptica recorded second album “Inquisition Symphony” which contained covers of Metallica, Faith No More, Sepultura and Pantera, but also three own compositions.
In 1999 Antero Manninen leaved the group, replaced by Perttu Kivilaakso. Year later they revealed their third record, Cult which contained 10 original compositions and only 3 covers. In year 2002 leaved Max Lilja.
In 2003 Apocalyptica developed fourth album, “Reflections”. In 2005 appeared fifth CD, “Apocalyptica”, and to the band joined percussionist Mikko Sirén. In September 2007 group revealed sixth CD, “Worlds Collide”.

Actual Members
Eicca Toppinen - violoncello (since 1996)
Paavo Lötjönen - violoncello (since 1996)
Perttu Kivilaakso - violoncello (since 1999)
Mikko Sirén - percussion (since 2005)

Albums
Plays Metallica By Four Cellos (1996)
Inquisition Symphony (1998)
Cult (2000)
Best Of Apocalyptica (2002, compilation, developed only in Japan)
Reflections (2003)
Apocalyptica (2005)
Reflections Revised (2005)
Amplified - A Decade of Reinventing the Cello (2006, compilation)
Worlds Collide (17th September 2007)

Singles
Oh Holy Night / Little Drummer Boy (1996)
Harmageddon (1998)
Path Vol. 2 (2001)
Hope Vol. 2 (2002)
Faraway Vol. 2 (2003)
Seemann (2003)
Bittersweet (2004)
Wie Weit / How Far / En Vie (2005)
Life Burns! (2005)
Repressed (2006)
I'm Not Jesus (2007)

DVD’s
Live (in Munich) (2001)
Reflections Revised (2003)
The Life Burns Tour (2006)

Covers
Apocalyptica played covers of: Metallica, Pantera, Rammstein, Sepultura, Slayer, Faith No More, Edward Grieg and David Bowie.