In the realm of heavy metal, few artists can boast of altering history, and fewer still can claim to have accomplished this feat twice. Apocalyptica emerges as one of metal’s most remarkable and improbable success stories. Originating in 1993 at the prestigious Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland, Apocalyptica initially served as a reverent, modest tribute to Metallica by four classically trained musicians who simply aimed to reinterpret their favorite band’s music through their chosen instruments. As founding member Eicca Toppinnen recounts, the venture took on a life of its own with the release of Plays Metallica By Four Cellos in 1996. This auspicious debut marked a significant turning point, far exceeding their initial expectations.
Reflecting on the experience over three decades later, Eicca recalls, “Performing the entire first album was far more exhilarating and enjoyable than we had envisioned. This spurred us to conceive a successor to the first album, albeit with a fresh approach – one that would push us to reimagine the original vitality and sentiment of Metallica.” The outcome was nothing short of a heartfelt tribute encapsulated in the album aptly named Plays Metallica, Vol. 2. The dedication and passion invested by Eicca Toppinen, Perttu Kivilaakso, Paavo Lötjönen, and Mikko Sirén – the band’s longstanding drummer who graciously exits after the completion of this project on a high note – resonate vividly in the final production.