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Sony Music
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Apocalyptica |
Since they started out with the band, the Finnish
cellists of Apocalyptica have worked hard on their excellent
reputation and after seven albums, it is proven once again why they are
so widely respected worldwide. With every album, they develop their
unique basic principle further, a perfect combination of classic and
metal music on cello. On ‘7 th Symphony’ the choice of guest musicians,
and the more mature sound are the golden formula for a grandiose album.
Opener ‘At The Gates Of Manala’ doesn’t have the long, epic and calm
cello intro that one might expect in the line of classical symphonies.
It does have an ensemble of cellists bounding their talents into a
darker sound, dragging you to the gates of the underworld. It is
surprising how such a high instrument can have such an intense,
aggressive side. Halfway through the song there is a turning point to a
melodic cello sound. It is almost like the energy is flowing out of the
strings, finding its balance into a melodic climax. A mature, more
developed sound which creates high expectations.
The album has definitely been produced in an excellent manner. Every
note is planned to make the music breathe, and filled with emotion.
There are many layers and details, but it doesn’t get too bombastic and
stays organic. The first guest, in the line of the tradition of four,
appears on “End Of Me”. It is Gavin Rosdale, the prominent Bush
vocalist. It is more of a classical rock song, where Apocalyptica easily
switch to fewer layers but still produce a very dynamic, catchy sound.
“Not Strong Enough” has a more classical Apocalyptica sound, and Brent
Smith from Shinedown also has connections with the rock music, but uses
his voice totally different than the previous guest, a good contrast.
The song was written by Diane Warren, the well known country and pop
songwriter. This explains why the song stays in your head for a few days.
The raw diamond on this album is “2010” with groovy bass riffs and this
time the guest musician is no vocalist: it’s drummer Dave Lombardo from
thrash metal band Slayer. It’s no surprise that this is the darkest song
that was ever done by Apocalyptica. They even manage to transform thrash
metal with all its technical elements into a cello-suitable style.
There is no bigger contrast possible than to switch over to “Beautiful”,
the most easy and straight forward title for this serene, peaceful song.
This recording is so natural, which results in the fact that it
immediately gets under your skin. The cello’s paint a landscape of
emotions, slowing down your heartbeat.
Lacy of Flyleaf is the only female guest musician, she contributes on
the song “Broken Pieces”. Her raw voice is not a predictable choice,
with soprano vocalists dominating the metal scene nowadays. According to
Apocalyptica they use a totally new approach in order to get a more
programmed, electric song played by cellos. It is the first video for
this album, and has a classical hit potential.
“On The Rooftop With Quasimodo” was written by drummer Mikko Sirén. The
classical love story is cleverly translated into a more minimalistic way
of using the instruments. At the same time it is very progressive and
not always beautiful: there are raw fragments in the cello playing and
you have to dare to chance it in one tone to a beautiful classical
outcome.
Last but not least, there is the contribution of Joseph Duplantier of
Gojira on “Bring The Light”. It is fast and very uptempo metal with a
suprising aggression. Apocalyptica often surprises us with not so
obvious guests and even when you have doubts about this combination,
believe that it is earthshaking. The question: is who motivated who, but
it is a great competition between the cello and the deep and diverse
voice of Joseph. ‘Sacra’ is a continuation of that adrenaline in a more
melancholic way, with only the cello in the spotlight.
The title “Rage of Poseidon” is enough to let your imagination work; you
can easily paint that picture in your head. Again a certain darkness is
carried on deep cello riffs, bass parts by Lauri Porra (Stratovarius)
and the organic breathing between the notes. Apocalyptica displays its
diversity in this last masterpiece. Eicca Toppinen wrote this song and
it is a special one, a perfect ending for this symphony..
Conclusion
Apocalyptica has delivered a top of the bill album, with a perfect
production. ‘7 th Symphony’ has the potential to become a historical
piece of work. It unites classical elements with metal, in the most
dynamic and talented way. I can’t help but feel that the previous
Apocalyptica albums were little steps towards this mature sound.
Hopefully there is no real curse on the 9 th Symphony, because there are
high expectations for the future of Apocalyptica. This can only lead to
a more progressive and successful sound. (Silvia Deurwaarder)
9.5/10
Tracklist:
01. At the Gates Of Manala
02. End Of Me (Gavin Rossdale van Bush)
03. Not Strong Enough (Brent Smith van Shinedown)
04. 2010 (Dave Lombardo van Slayer)
05. Beautiful
06. Broken Pieces (Lacey Mosley van Flyleaf)
07. On The Rooftop With Quasimodo
08. Bring Them To Light (Joe Duplantier van Gojira)
09. Sacra
10. Rage Of Poseidon
Line-up:
Eicca Toppinen – Cello
Paavo Lötjönen – Cello
Perttu Kivilaakso – Cello
Mikko Sirén – Drums, Double Bass |
