Apocalyptica

About

Finnish metal band, founded in 1993. The band is known for using cellos in the context of heavy metal music, making them probably the first cello metal band. Apocalyptica was formed by classical trained cellists Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen, Max Lilja and Antero Manninen, and they started by playing Metallica covers as a cello quartet. Later the band covered other metal and rock bands as well, and since their third album, released in 2000, the band has focused mainly on releasing original songs, frequently with guest vocalists.

Current line-up:
Eicca Toppinen (1993–present)
Paavo Lötjönen (1993–present)
Perttu Kivilaakso (1995, 1999–present)

Former members:
Max Lilja (1993–2002)
Antero Manninen (1993–1999; touring member 2002–2009, 2017–2018)
Mikko Sirén - drums, percussion (2005–2024; touring member 2003–2005)

Apocalyptica has covered several well-known metal bands besides Metallica:
Sepultura: "Refuse/Resist", "Inquisition Symphony";
Faith No More: "From out of Nowhere";
Pantera: "Domination";
Rammstein: "Seemann".

Apocalyptica featured many singers for vocalisiations of their instrumental tracks:
Sandra Nasic (Guano Apes): "Path";
Matthias Sayer (Farmer Boys): "Hope";
Linda Sundblad (Lambretta): "Faraway";
Nina Hagen: "Seemann";
Marta Jandová (Die Happy): "Quutamo" -> "Wie weit?" & "How Far?";
Lauri Ylönen (The Rasmus): "Bittersweet", "Life Burns";
Ville Valo (HIM): "Bittersweet";
Emmanuelle Monet (as Manu) (Dolly): "En Vie";
Matt Tuck (Bullet For My Valentine): "Repressed ";
Max Cavalera (Sepultura, Soulfly): "Repressed ";
Corey Taylor (Slipknot, Stone Sour): "I'm Not Jesus";
Till Lindemann (Rammstein): "Helden";
Adam Gontier (Three Days Grace): "I Don't Care";
Cristina Scabbia (Lacuna Coil): "S.O.S. (Anything But Love)".