Apocalyptica
Classically trained Finnish cellists who started by covering Metallica and never stopped headbanging, making symphonic metal where the strings genuinely shred.
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About Apocalyptica
Apocalyptica is a cello metal band from Helsinki, Finland, formed in 1993.
Apocalyptica formed in Helsinki in 1993 among cellists trained at the Sibelius Academy, originally a quartet of Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen, Max Lilja and Antero Manninen. Their debut, Plays Metallica by Four Cellos, released in 1996, consisted of eight Metallica arrangements for cello and established the group's approach of playing metal on classical instruments without guitars or bass.
Antero Manninen left in 1999 and was replaced by Perttu Kivilaakso, who alongside Toppinen and Lötjönen has anchored the lineup since; Max Lilja departed in 2002. The band's sound moved from covers toward original writing on albums such as Cult and Reflections, adding drums, including sessions from Slayer's Dave Lombardo, before Mikko Sirén joined full-time as drummer in 2005.
Guest vocalists became a regular feature, among them Corey Taylor of Slipknot and Stone Sour on "I'm Not Jesus" and Till Lindemann of Rammstein on a German-language cover of David Bowie's "Heroes." These collaborations, alongside originals sung by Ville Valo and Lauri Ylönen, pushed the band further into symphonic and alternative metal while keeping the cellos as the lead instrument.
Apocalyptica has sold more than four million albums over its three-decade career, with "Nothing Else Matters" and the collaborative single "I Don't Care" among its best-known songs. The catalogue runs from strict cello arrangements of other bands' material to fully original symphonic metal, all built around the same three-cello core.
Cello metalSymphonic metal
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Questions about Apocalyptica
What festivals is Apocalyptica playing in 2027?
Apocalyptica is booked at 1 festival we cover: Boardwalk Rock 2027.
Is Apocalyptica on tour?
Yes. Apocalyptica has 10 shows listed, from Monterrey, Mexico on Jan 14, 2027 to Oslo, Norway on Dec 14, 2027, plus 1 festival on the page above.
Is Apocalyptica playing Boardwalk Rock 2027?
Yes, Apocalyptica is on the Boardwalk Rock 2027 lineup, May 14–16, 2027 at Ocean City Inlet, Ocean City, MD. They play Sunday, May 16.
Where is Apocalyptica from?
Apocalyptica is from Helsinki, Finland.
Who is in Apocalyptica?
Apocalyptica is Paavo Lötjönen (cello), Eicca Toppinen (cello), Perttu Kivilaakso (cello) and Mikko Sirén (drums). Former members include Antero Manninen and Max Lilja.
When did Apocalyptica form?
Apocalyptica formed in Helsinki in 1993.
What was Apocalyptica's first album?
Apocalyptica's first album was Plays Metallica by Four Cellos (1996). The latest is Plays Metallica, Vol. 2 (2024).
What kind of music does Apocalyptica play?
Apocalyptica plays cello metal and symphonic metal.
What festivals has Apocalyptica played before?
Apocalyptica has played Aftershock 2026, Sonic Temple 2026, Welcome to Rockville 2026.