They also tour the UK in autumn 2024
Finnish symphonic metallers Apocalyptica have recruited Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo for a track on their upcoming tenth studio album ‘Plays Metallica Vol. 2.’
Apocalyptica formed in Helsinki 30 years ago initially as a classical-style Metallica tribute act, and their 1996 debut album ‘Plays Metallica by Four Cellos’ featured cello reworkings of anthems including ‘Enter Sandman’, ‘Master of Puppets’ and ‘Creeping Death.’
Since then, Apocalyptica have evolved into a neoclassical metal outfit with vocals, and they’ve released eight further studio albums featuring predominately original compositions.
The new album ‘Plays Metallica Vol. 2’ will be released on Friday 7th June 2024 and Apocalyptica have enlisted Metallica’s very own Robert Trujillo for lead single ‘The Four Horsemen’, which originally appeared on the legendary band’s 1983 debut ‘Kill ‘Em All.’
Elsewhere, ‘The Call of Ktulu’ is dedicated to memory of Cliff Burton, and the album closes with two interpretations of Metallica’s ‘One.’
Watch Apocalyptica’s ‘The Four Horsemen’ video featuring Robert Trujillo:
Founding band leader Eicca Toppinen says: “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 favourite tracks gives me goosebumps!”
Produced by Joe Barresi (Queens of the Stone Age, Soundgarden, Nine Inch Nails, Tool), ‘Plays Metallica Vol. 2’ is the final studio release with Apocalyptica’s long-time member, drummer Mikko Sirén, who amicably exited after the new album’s completion.
Apocalyptica
Apocalyptica will perform Metallica classics on tour in the UK in September and October 2024. Tickets are on sale from Planet Rock Tickets now.
