Imagine hearing that one Metallica song that was your favorite growing up, what song is it? Now try to picture that exact same song in a concert setting, but sitting. Yes, I said sitting! Now close your eyes, and imagine hearing that same song on cellos! Would that not just blow you away and change everything you have ever known about that song? That’s what happened at Emo’s East in Austin when Apocalyptica came into town.
The Finnish cello metal band stopped into the live music capital of the world to reprise their first album ‘Plays Metallica by Four Cellos’ that was released back in 1996. If you have no clue what I am talking about, you need to stop what you are doing and head over to YouTube or Spotify and listen to the album in its entirety.
I had never seen the band play before, but I knew it would be something to cherish. The stage setup was fundamental yet perfectly set with scrim as the backdrop and four chairs with the bands banner hanging above behind it. As soon as the lights faded down Eicca Toppinen, Perttu Kivilaakso, Paavo Lötjönen and a friend fill in, took the stage and went right into it.
After playing a devastating set, they took a 20 minute break before coming out for a second set. This time, the scrim had been removed and in place, a drum set. I knew Mikko Sirén would be in for round two! One of my all-time favorite Metallica songs, ” Fade To Black” started up and I literally had chill bumps. I could not believe that they were performing it without an electric guitar. I was really taken by the amount heart that they put into the performance. Especially with Paavo Lötjönen urging the crowd to shout and sing along. It was actually pretty cool to see the fans take the lead and the band collaborated so beautifully. I was left in awe.
My head was in overdrive as they performed all my favorite songs from my youth and from today. This show was absolutely fantastic. If you ever get a chance to attend an and see Apocalyptica perform this album, do not hesitate. You will not be disappointed, at all.
There are a few more dates on the North American tour. Catch one if you can!
05.22. Royal Oak, MI
05.23. Buffalo, NY
05.24. Philadelphia, PA
05.25. Portland, ME
05.26. Uncasville, CT
05.27. Albany, NY
05.29. Ridgefield, CT
05.30. Montclair, NJ
05.31. Westbury, NY
Set 1:
Enter Sandman
Master Of Puppets
Harvester Of Sorrow
Sad But True
Creeping Death
Wherever I May Roam
Welcome Home Sanitarium
Set 2:
Fade To Black
For Whom The Bell Tolls
Fight Fire With Fire
Until it Sleeps
Orion
Escape
Battery
Seek And Destroy
Nothing Else Matters
One
Words and Images by Tracy Fuller
