Apocalyptica Unleash Their Blistering Symphonic Onslaught At The Fillmore In Philadelphia

 

Apocalyptica, the Finnish symphonic metal band known for their innovative fusion of classical music and heavy metal, has earned a stellar reputation over the course of their career. Formed in 1993, the group originally gained attention for their instrumental metal covers of Metallica songs, performing them with cellos in a way that captivated fans of both classical and rock music. Over the years, Apocalyptica has continued to push boundaries, evolving their sound and collaborating with a diverse range of artists, from metal legends like Corey Taylor and Till Lindemann to classical musicians. With over two decades of success, including multiple chart-topping albums, they have become one of the genre’s most influential and respected bands.

Their current tour, Apocalyptica Plays Metallica Vol. 2, is a celebration of their legendary reinterpretations of Metallica’s iconic music. This tour follows up their 2020 release of Apocalyptica Plays Metallica Vol. 1, further showcasing their mastery of transforming thrash metal anthems into powerful symphonic arrangements. The band’s unique approach to these classic songs, pairing the intensity of Metallica’s music with the emotive power of classical instrumentation, continues to awe audiences worldwide. Apocalyptica’s fans can expect an electrifying live experience, where the fusion of heavy metal and orchestral arrangements creates a dramatic atmosphere unlike anything else.

Joining Apocalyptica on their current tour is guitar virtuoso Nita Strauss, known for her fiery performances and technical prowess. Having played with artists like Alice Cooper, Strauss adds an extra layer of excitement to the tour, contributing her own dynamic energy to the set. Her collaboration with Apocalyptica offers fans a thrilling combination of classical and modern metal styles, further elevating the live performance experience. The band’s new album, Apocalyptica Plays Metallica Vol. 2, continues this tradition with fresh interpretations of Metallica’s greatest hits, further solidifying Apocalyptica’s place as a trailblazer in the genre of symphonic metal.

Nita Strauss’ performance on the Apocalyptica Plays Metallica Vol. 2 tour is nothing short of spectacular, marked by her undeniable virtuosity and powerful stage presence. As the lead guitarist, she brings an electrifying energy to the band, seamlessly integrating her ferocious guitar technique with Apocalyptica’s symphonic metal arrangements. Strauss’ intense solos in songs like “Momentum” and “Our Most Desperate Hour” are crowd-pleasers, showcasing her ability to move from blistering speed to heartfelt melodies in an instant. Her shredding on these tracks brings a level of excitement and technical brilliance that aligns perfectly with the band’s genre-blending style.

On “Marianas Trench,” Strauss’ guitar work takes on a deep, atmospheric quality, complementing the intense mood of the song. The track builds with haunting precision, and Strauss’ performance serves as a driving force behind the composition’s evolving emotional landscape. One of the standout moments of the show is during “The Quest/Drum Solo,” where Strauss’ guitar solos intertwine with Josh Villalta’s dynamic drumming, creating an explosive musical dialogue. Villalta’s precise and powerful drumming propels the band through the song, while Strauss’ melodic guitar work highlights the song’s sweeping sense of adventure. The tension builds, and Strauss’ seamless transitions between rapid-fire riffs and slower, more deliberate passages show her full range as a performer.

Strauss also adds an extra layer of power and energy to the band’s performances of “Victorious,” “Digital Bullets,” and “Dead Inside,” which feature the captivating vocals of Kasey Karlsen. Karlsen’s gritty, emotive voice contrasts beautifully with Strauss’ fiery guitar, creating a perfect balance between the rawness of the vocals and the intensity of Strauss’ playing. On tracks like “Digital Bullets” and “Dead Inside,” Strauss takes on a more supportive role, allowing Karlsen’s vocals to shine while her guitar provides the backbone of the song’s heavy, pulsating energy. When Karlsen belts out these anthems, Strauss complements her vocals with blistering licks and complex solos that elevate the entire performance.

On “The Wolf You Feed,” Strauss’ guitar weaves a dark and ominous texture, perfectly fitting the track’s themes of struggle and inner conflict. Her commanding performance adds an element of drama to the song, intensifying its emotional weight. Alongside the other band members—Katt Scarlett on keyboards and Johnny Young on rhythm guitar—Strauss’ contributions shine in these moments, blending with the symphonic elements to create a rich, layered sound. Scarlett’s atmospheric keyboard work creates a lush backdrop, while Young’s rhythm guitar anchors the composition, giving Strauss the space to shine with her intricate solos and melodic flourishes.

Nita Strauss’ integration into Apocalyptica’s live performance is a perfect fit, adding a fiery, modern edge to the band’s already captivating symphonic metal style. Her incredible guitar skills, combined with the powerful backing of the band—Josh Villalta’s drums, Kasey Karlsen’s vocals, Katt Scarlett’s keyboards, and Johnny Young’s rhythm guitar—make for a show that is both technically impressive and emotionally charged. Strauss’ performance on this tour is a true testament to her musical prowess and her ability to elevate every moment of the show with her unmatched talent, presence and technical brilliance.

 

And now, this Finish three piece will teach their own masterclass in the mesmerizing fusion of heavy metal and orchestral power. From the very first notes of “The Ecstasy of Gold” during the intro tape, the atmosphere is electric, setting the stage for what’s to come.  The room comes to life as the over the Ennio Morricone classic as the silhouettes of the maestros themselves make their way across the stage.  And it wouldn’t take long for lightning to strike.

The band jumps straight into “Ride the Lightning,” and from the first striking cello notes, it’s clear that Apocalyptica isn’t just covering Metallica’s music—they’re reimagining it. Toppinen’s cello work is both delicate and forceful, giving a new, symphonic dimension to this thrash metal classic. Paavo Lötjönen, on rhythm and bass cello, provides the deep, resonant backbone of the track, his steady rhythm section balancing out the soaring melodies. The combination of the cellos, driven by Mikko Sirén’s ferocious drumming, transforms the familiar song into something uniquely dramatic, with the band’s signature blend of classical and metal sensibilities.

“Enter Sandman” brings a different energy to the performance, with its instantly recognizable riff introduced through the cellos. The band delivers this track with a blend of intensity and precision, keeping the original’s eerie tension but adding a more orchestral flavor. Toppinen’s emotive lead cello playing takes on a new dimension as he amplifies the haunting aspects of the song, while Kivilaakso’s contributions on lead cello add texture and depth. Sirén’s drumming drives the song forward with precision, while Lötjönen’s bass cello offers a solid foundation that underpins the darker moments of the track.

Next, the band powers into “Creeping Death,” where the energy in the room escalates. Apocalyptica’s interpretation of this thrash anthem showcases their impeccable ability to balance speed and precision with emotion. The interwoven cellos of Toppinen, Kivilaakso, and Lötjönen create an intense atmosphere as they build the song’s iconic riff. Sirén’s drumming adds an aggressive layer to the track, emphasizing the heaviness of the original while maintaining the symphonic vibe. The blend of the instrumental arrangement with the dramatic pacing of the piece creates a gripping performance that keeps the audience at the edge of their seats.

“For Whom the Bell Tolls” rings out next, with Toppinen and Kivilaakso taking charge of the iconic lead parts. The cellos beautifully replicate the song’s heavy and ominous tone, creating a foreboding atmosphere that builds to a crescendo. The emotional intensity of this piece is undeniable, with the band weaving in dynamic layers, transitioning between delicate, haunting cello passages and explosive, driving metal energy. Lötjönen’s bass cello anchors the piece, providing a deep, rumbling foundation that contrasts with the higher-pitched melodies. Sirén’s drums are a thunderous presence throughout, propelling the band through the climactic moments of the song.

“Battery” follows, and the audience is immediately swept up in the explosive energy of this thrash masterpiece. Apocalyptica’s instrumental version of this song is a thrilling ride, with the cellos emulating the ferociousness of the original guitar riffs. Toppinen and Kivilaakso’s synchronized melodies create a whirlwind of sound, while Lötjönen’s bass cello adds depth and groove. Sirén’s drumming is relentless, mirroring the intensity of the song’s driving rhythms. The band’s performance of “Battery” is a showcase of their technical prowess and their ability to transform Metallica’s music into something both familiar and entirely new.

The band then shifts into the majestic “The Call of Ktulu,” where their classical influences come to the forefront. This instrumental piece allows Apocalyptica to explore the more atmospheric and cinematic side of their sound. The three cellos, led by Toppinen’s emotive performance, create a sweeping, cinematic experience that captivates the audience. The dynamic interplay between the cellos builds and recedes with dramatic precision, while Sirén’s nuanced drumming adds tension and urgency to the piece. This track shows Apocalyptica at their most symphonic, creating an immersive, almost orchestral atmosphere.

“Master of Puppets” follows as another towering moment in the performance. Toppinen and Kivilaakso deliver the song’s famous riff with sheer intensity, while Lötjönen’s bass cello adds weight to the song’s dark and relentless energy. The cellos once again replace the guitars, but their emotive and precise phrasing brings a fresh, orchestral element to the track, while Sirén’s drumming drives the rhythm with thunderous precision. The grandeur of the performance reaches its peak during this song, with the audience fully immersed in the raw power of the music.

The set culminates with “Seek & Destroy,” a track that brings out the full force of Apocalyptica’s metal meets classical fusion. The cellos riff through the iconic opening notes, building up to an explosive rendition of this Metallica classic. The band’s delivery is both technical and emotional, capturing the raw power of the original while infusing it with their own unique style. Sirén’s drums are relentless, adding an extra layer of intensity to the track as Toppinen and Kivilaakso trade cello solos that inject even more ferocity into the performance. The band’s collaboration creates an unforgettable sound that is both symphonic and heavy, a true testament to their musical versatility.

As the encore begins, the crowd erupts as Apocalyptica takes on Metallica’s iconic “One.” This song, with its heavy, intricate arrangement, allows the band to showcase their technical mastery and passion for the music. The band’s performance of “One” brings a haunting yet triumphant energy to the stage. The cellos, once again, replace the guitars, transforming the track into an orchestral heavy metal experience. Toppinen, Kivilaakso, and Lötjönen’s cellos create a mesmerizing, eerie atmosphere, while Sirén’s drums drive the song toward its thunderous climax. The performance of “One” brings the evening to a powerful close, leaving the audience with a deep sense of awe and admiration for Apocalyptica’s unmatched ability to redefine and reimagine the boundaries of heavy metal.