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

by | Oct 3, 2024

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)
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

Elijah Hewson of Inhaler @ Brixton Academy (Lewis Evans)

Inhaler Breathe In The Open Wide Of London’s Brixton Academy

Irish rockers Inhaler have been on the rise long before dropping debut LP It Won't Always Be Like This in 2021,...
Punk Rock Factory (Press)

Punk Rock Factory Drop Latest LP ‘All Hands On Deck’

Recent weeks have seen Punk Rock Factory detonate banger-after-banger of turbocharged takes on ‘90s classics such as...
Ada Morghe (Press)

Ada Morghe Announces New Album ‘Pure Good Vibes’

Having spent the last half decade building up a name as a jazz and soul singer of rare distinction, Ada Morghe has announced that her fourth album Pure Good Vibes will be released on June 13th. She launches the album alongside its first single and title track, which features the British reggae icon Maxi Priest.

The Pale White @ The Palladium (Louise Phillips)

The Pale White Reveal Video For Latest Single ‘Lost In The Moment’

Wallsend-hailing alt-rock trio The Pale White have unveil their new music video for their latest single Lost In The...

Lacuna Coil Drop New Single ‘I Wish You Were Dead’ Ahead Of Tenth LP

As the band prepares to release their brand new studio album Sleepless Empire, Italian metal titans Lacuna Coil have...
Toby Sebastian (Mike Palmer)

Toby Sebastian Announces New Album ‘Eyes Light Up’

Acclaimed British musician and actor Toby Sebastian has announced his new album Eyes Light Up for release on 4th April...
Johnny Marr @ Gibson Garage London (Press)

Gibson Partners With Johnny Marr To Create Gibson ‘84 Les Paul Standard With Bigsby Guitars

For over 130 years, Gibson the iconic and leading instrument brand, has shaped sound across generations and genres of...
Somebody's Child (Jim Fuller)

Somebody’s Child Share ‘Irish Goodbye’ Ahead Of Sophomore LP

Irish rockers Somebody’s Child have dropped their third single Irish Goodbye from their forthcoming second record When Youth Fades Away, set for release on March 28th via Frenchkiss Records. The new tune follows the singles Time Of My Life and Last Night I Held Your Hand. There’s a palpably growing excitement for March 28th’s When Youth Fades Away!

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing