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

Sydney Rose @ BST Hyde Park 2025 (Kalpesh Patel)

Sydney Rose Builds On Breakthrough Success With Intimate New Single ‘Track Team’

Rising singer-songwriter Sydney Rose has returned with her latest single, Track Team, continuing the remarkable momentum that has transformed the Georgia-born, Nashville-based artist into one of alternative pop’s fastest-rising new voices.

Duran Duran @ BST Hyde Park 2026 (Sienna Lorraine Gray)

Duran Duran Crown A Sun-Soaked Day Of Pop Royalty At BST Hyde Park 2026

It was yet another warm, sunny London day, the start of the country’s next heatwave, as thousands descended on Hyde Park for the final day of the second BST Hyde Park weekend of 2026. There was another event looming over the evening too: England’s World Cup Round of 16 clash with Mexico, kicking off at the decidedly unsociable hour of 1am. Football could wait though. Sunday belonged to disco legends, glam-pop icons and one of Britain’s most enduring bands as Duran Duran headlined a day that effortlessly balanced nostalgia with timeless musicianship.

The Script Celebrate Friendship And Forgiveness On New Single ‘The Crowd Was Singing Wonderwall’

The Script have shared the latest preview of their forthcoming album The User’s Guide To Being Human with the release of the uplifting new single The Crowd Was Singing Wonderwall. Arriving ahead of the band’s eagerly anticipated new album on 14th August, the track follows the anthemic lead single Man In The Arena and continues to showcase a record that promises to balance heartfelt storytelling with the arena-sized choruses that have become synonymous with The Script throughout their career.

Ferris & Sylvester Share Heartfelt New Single ‘Tiny Little Love’ Ahead Of New Album ‘It’s A Joy To Be Alive’

British Americana duo Ferris & Sylvester have unveiled their deeply moving new single Tiny Little Love, the latest preview of their forthcoming album It’s A Joy To Be Alive, due for release on 14th August.

J KEYS Turns Up The Heat With Infectious New Dance Anthem ‘Red Flag’

Essex artist, producer and DJ J KEYS continues his upward trajectory with the release of his latest single, Red Flag, a high-energy club anthem that blends underground house influences with irresistible pop appeal.

Willie J Healey Announces New EP ‘143’ And Shares Warm-Hearted New Single ‘Ditch’

Oxford songwriter Willie J Healey has announced the release of his new EP 143, arriving on 4th September, alongside the release of its effortlessly charming lead single Ditch. The five-track collection follows the success of 2023’s acclaimed Bunny and arrives ahead of a run of UK festival appearances and intimate headline dates this autumn, further cementing Healey’s reputation as one of Britain’s most distinctive and quietly brilliant songwriters.

TV Priest Return With Ambitious New Album ‘Cartoons’ And Share Stirring Single ‘Love Song (A Good Kind Of Weapon)’

London post-punk innovators TV Priest have announced their long-awaited third studio album, Cartoons, due for release on 6th November. Alongside the announcement, the band have unveiled the record’s lead single, Love Song (A Good Kind Of Weapon), a striking and unexpectedly tender statement that signals a bold new direction for one of Britain’s most adventurous alternative bands.

Natalie McCool Unveils Euphoric New Single ‘We’re The Ones’ Ahead Of New Album ‘Good For The Soul’

Liverpool singer-songwriter Natalie McCool has shared her uplifting new single We’re The Ones, the latest preview of her forthcoming album Good For The Soul, due for release on 9th September.