Who Is Apocalyptica?

Apocalyptica is coming to Northern Lights March 12th, but how well do you know them? Did you know that all members are classical trained cellists?

Originally a Metallica tribute band, Apocalyptica formed in 1993 in Finland by Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen, Max Lilja, and Antero Manninen to play Metallica covers at Sibelius Academy as in Metallica covers played entirely on cello's.

Their first album was entitled Metallica by Four Cello's.   Their second album
Inquisition Symphony also contained covers of Metallica, but also covers of Faith No More, and Pantera. By the time their 3rd album Cult was released they became better songwriters and included more original songs than covers.

As Apocalyptica released more albums, they were becoming more and more successful touring across Europe,  and selling out most venues. In the process as Apocalyptica lost and gained members,  many guest musicians appeared on their records including Dave Lombardo of Slayer, Corey Taylor from Slipknot and Stone Sour and Adam Gontier of Three Days Grace.

The band didnt get much recognition in the United States until late 2007, 2008 when they made their television debut with Carson Daly and had a single a few singles on the Active rock charts.

Apocalyptica's most recent and 8th studio album entitled 7th Symphony features intrumentals as well as four records with guest vocalists including their biggest record to date End of Me with Gavin Rossdale of Bush. Their next single is called Not Strong Enough with Brent Smith of Shinedown.

Saturday night March 12th, should be quite an entertaining night at Northern Lights. Not only will you hear impressive Metallica covers on cello's no less, but some kick ass rock from Finland.  Apocalyptica will be something you've never seen before and they deserve all the credit they get.

Keep listening to Q103 to win your tickets and an in studio appearance.