Apocalyptica - 7th Symphony

Band Members:

Eicca Toppinen – Cello
Paavo Lötjönen – Cello
Perttu Kivilaakso – Cello
Mikko Sirén – Drums, Double Bass

Album guests:

Gavin Rossdale (Bush)
Brent Smith (Shinedown)
Dave Lombardo (Slayer)
Lacey Mosley (Flyleaf)
Joseph Duplantier (Gojira)

With no apologies, Apocalyptica’s 7^th Symphony explodes into its melodic yet aggressive opening song, At the gates of Malana. It’s the second longest track on the album, but never overstays its welcome; The song morphs and evolves constantly, almost creating a symphonic story of fabulous cello metal, the thunderous bass is complemented by incredibly technical playing. While not my favourite song on the track, it certainly encapsulates how the band has become ever more skilled in this branch of music.

End of me only emphasises how passionately the band play, especially with the vocals courtesy of Gavin; an edgy, metallic song which rises and falls with his powerful, intense voice. The bridge in particular is well written, both vocally and instrumentally, the crescendo building the tension for a final chorus.

My favourite song on the album, Not strong enough, is sung by Shinedown’s Brent Smith, starting off in a Shinedown-esque fashion, accompanied by appropriate unamplified cello playing, before the volcanic chorus erupts and the beating drums roll in to stay for the entire song. The lyrics are beautifully written, and Brent has created a masterpiece with a very talented band.

2010 features Dave Lombardo’s formidable drumming dragging Apocalyptica back to their heavy, instrumental roots. It’s a refreshing throwback to let them unleash their true authority, and provides a brilliant contrast to Beautiful, a slow, classical melody giving a sad vibe. It clears the mind, bracing it for Lacey’s rich, strong voice.

Broken pieces is the penultimate vocal song in the album, and the only song with female vocals. Her voice is dominant throughout the song, from the start where a simple drum beat accompanies, to her very last syllable, providing a very memorable experience which, while being ruled by Lacey’s voice, is still very Apocalyptica.

Unfortunately, On the rooftops with Quasimodo is a rather forgettable song after the energy of the previous tracks. It seems like a diluted version of At the gates…: the power of 2010 mixed with the melody of Beautiful, in my opinion, doesn’t quite work.

Nevertheless, the album has not peaked yet, due to the furious muscle of Bring them to light. The heavy growling may not be to everyone’s taste, but Apocalyptica’s willingness to explore new realms is admirable. The growling works well with the dense, angry cellos and drums.

The last two songs hark back, once again, to their pure instrumental playing, the best being Rage of Poseidon. The album finishes with the same energy on which it started, and whatever your preferred metallic taste, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy in 7^th Symphony.