Apocalyptica Deliver A New Dimension To Classic Metallica Tunes At The Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall recently hosted an extraordinary concert where Finnish band Apocalyptica performed their Plays Metallica Vol. 2 set. Blending classical instrumentation with heavy metal, the evening was a unique fusion that both metalheads and classical music enthusiasts could appreciate. The historic venue provided the perfect backdrop for this innovative reinterpretation of Metallica’s iconic songs.

Apocalyptica @ Royal Albert Hall

Apocalyptica @ Royal Albert Hall (Daniel Caceiro)

The night began with a strong performance from The Raven Age, a British metal band that delivered a powerful mix of melodic interludes and heavy riffs. Their energy set the tone for the evening, engaging the audience and building anticipation for the main act.

As the lights dimmed, Ennio Morricone’s The Ecstasy of Gold filled the hall—a nod to Metallica’s concerts. Apocalyptica took the stage with three cellists—Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen, and Perttu Kivilaakso—alongside drummer Mikko Sirén. They opened with arousing rendition of Ride The Lightning, immediately showcasing their ability to transform heavy metal classics into orchestral masterpieces. Their dynamic movements and intense playing style captivated the audience.

Highlights of the performance included a haunting rendition of The Call Of Ktulu, where the cellos created a sombre atmosphere before building to an epic climax. Nothing Else Matters offered a tender moment, with the audience swaying and singing along to the familiar melody. The band’s renditions of Master Of Puppets and Seek & Destroy demonstrated their versatility, capturing the aggressive energy of the originals while adding their unique classical twist.

The encore featured One, starting with its haunting opening notes and building to a powerful crescendo. Throughout the concert, Apocalyptica showcased not only technical brilliance but also a deep understanding of the emotional core of Metallica’s music. Their performance was more than a tribute—it was a transformation that left the audience in awe. The evening was a testament to music’s ability to bridge genres and bring people together, making it an unforgettable experience for all who attended.

Live review & photography of Apocalyptica at The Royal Albert Hall, London on 30th September 2024 by Daniel Caceiro

Metallica Are Hardwired Into Twickenham

Trent And Atticus Nine Inch Nail It At The O2 Arena

Every act craves that strong connection with their audience – but how do you achieve this in a cavernous space like The O2 Arena, filled to the brim with around 20,000 fans (all, naturally, dressed in black)? Well, in typical belligerent style, Nine Inch Nails meet this challenge head on – treating us to a set by turns poetic and punishing, and despite the odd technical hiccup, really delivering that all important connection.

L-R: Roger Taylor, John Taylor, Simon Le Bon & Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran @ The O2 (Kalpesh Patel)

Duran Duran To Bring Their Spectacular Danse Macabre Halloween Party To Manchester’s Co-Op Live

British music legends Duran Duran have announced their first-ever UK Halloween extravaganza, set to take over Manchester’s Co-Op Live on Friday, 31st October 2025. Promising a night of haunting glamour, sonic mischief and spine-tingling surprises, the one-off show will mark the UK debut of the band’s acclaimed Danse Macabre Halloween Party.

Outbreak Festival Storms London: A Genre-Bending Baptism Of Hardcore, Chaos & Community

Outbreak has been the beating heart of the UK’s hardcore scene since 2011 at its home in Manchester, finally the...

A Higher Frequency: Santana’s Timeless Spirit Lights Up The O2 Arena

As London sweltered under a 32-degree summer solstice sun, a different kind of illumination awaited inside The O2 Arena. Carlos Santana—guitar deity, Woodstock survivor, and spiritual messenger—brought his legendary band and transcendental energy to the capital with his Oneness Tour, proving once again that music, when played with heart and soul, can truly heal.

Matt Bellamy of Muse @ The O2 (Kalpesh Patel)

Muse Return With Electrifying New Single ‘Unravelling’ — A Thunderous Taste Of What’s To Come

Muse have unleashed their blistering new single Unravelling, igniting excitement among fans as they return to the world stage with their trademark flair for drama and dystopian grandeur. The track marks their first new music since 2022’s Will Of The People and signals the beginning of a bold new chapter for the stadium-filling trio.

Green Day @ Download Festival XXII - Friday (Sarah Louise Bennett)

Punk, Pop, and Pyro: Day One Of Download Festival XXII Ignites Donington Park

75,000 fans descend on Donington Park for Download Festival XXII, and as the sun drenches the hallowed grounds, we’re here to see what goes down. Let’s dive into it.

Megan Moroney Delivers The Breakup Anthem Of The Summer With Fiery New Single ‘6 Months Later’

After weeks of building buzz across social media and on stage, country music powerhouse Megan Moroney has officially released her latest single, 6 Months Later. A fierce, tongue-in-cheek breakup anthem drenched in sass and soul, the track is poised to become the soundtrack of the summer — an unmissable moment from one of country’s most electrifying rising stars.

KillerStar @ 100 CLUB (Briony Graham-Rudd)

KillerStar Unleash Live Version Of Glam-Rock Classic ‘Children Of The Revolution’ From Sold-Out 100 Club

KillerStar, the critically acclaimed outfit led by vocalist and guitarist Robert Fleming, have released a storming live rendition of T-Rex’s glam-rock anthem Children Of The Revolution, recorded during their sold-out shows at London’s legendary 100 Club earlier this year. The release is accompanied by a video capturing the electric energy of those special nights, featuring a band packed with legendary collaborators of the late David Bowie.