Apocalyptica Plays Metallica Vol. 2 continues the journey that began in 1996 when cellists from Helsinki’s world-renowned Sibelius Academy played symphonic tribute to the biggest of the big four – heavy metal titans Metallica. For their tenth record the classically minded dynamos are returning to their roots to bring a legendary story full circle. It also features a host of surprises, including an unprecedented collaboration.
The Everblack Podcast spoke to Eicca Toppinen from APOCALYPTICA about their long awaited ‘Plays Metallica, Vol. 2‘, the experience of jamming along with Cliff Burton’s bass tracks, the unique version of One featuring James Hetfield, upcoming touring plans and more!
Watch/listen to the interview here:
Founding band-leader Eicca Toppinen comments: “It’s the coolest thing. We didn’t push – it was offered. We played the first album live and it was so much more fun and exciting than we expected, so we got the idea to do something like the first album, but we couldn’t do it in exactly the same way – we needed to challenge ourselves and bring a totally new perspective to the original energy and emotion of Metallica.”
Lead cellist Perttu Kivilaakso adds: “We’ve been talking about making another Metallica album for around 20 years, as there were still so many great songs we wanted to play! We waited for the perfect moment to do it. Thinking of that teenage me who is now getting to play his favorite tracks gives me goosebumps!“
This album will be the band’s final studio release with Apocalyptica’s long-time member, drummer Mikko Sirén, who amicably departed after the new album’s completion.
Apocalyptica Plays Metallica Vol. 2 was produced by longtime collaborator and studio supremo Joe Barresi (Queens of the Stone Age, Soundgarden, Nine Inch Nails, Tool) and is out now via new label Throwdown Entertainment.
Available now
https://bmg.lnk.to/PlaysMetallicaVol.2PR
