Apocalyptica

So it has been rather a long time - mainly due to the fact the writing a thesis uses up all your ability to write leaving none for recreation. However, I've now submitted and gig season has begun! There are actually far too many bands I want to see in the next few month and I had to limit myself due a lack of being paid at the moment.


But first - Apocalyptica at the HMV Forum. We rolled up stylishly late to only catch the second half of the support, Pain of Salvation, which I now regret because from what I heard they are awesome. They also got one of the best receptions I've heard from the crowd for a support act. Moving from Sweden to Finland we get to Apocalyptica. These guys play metal on three cellos and if you have not heard them then you are definitely missing out. The cello is a pretty versatile instrument (I may be biased as I play one) and is surprisingly good for playing metal. Its large range probably makes it one of the best classical instruments for the job since both bassy rhythm and cutting leads are possible - with the addition of a few effects of course.


They started out with a couple of crazy instrumentals which were fairly energetic, but only once they got onto "Grace" did they really start to sound impressive. From then on it was one of the best gigs I've ever been to with "I'm Not Jesus" followed by their cover of "Master of Puppets" really getting the crowd going. Mid way through they played a couple of more chillaxed songs which sounded really beautiful even given the less than ideal acoustic conditions! They finished with "Worlds Collide" and then some hilarious/brilliant covers... the national anthem and their trademark "Hall of the Mountain King". All in all a very entertaining gig. Next stop on the gig bus - Jimmy Eat World.

(Thanks to Markus for the photos!)