Apocalyptica - Cult

Year of Release: 2000
Label: Spitfire Records
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 56:11:00

Apocalyptica is ... different. Cult is ... great.

Sometimes, things shouldn't be questioned. Like Apocalyptica's Cult. The fact that they are using different musical instruments to create their "metal" reflects positively on them in so different ways that I can't seem to comprehend what to write about their new release. Instead of playing rock/metal on guitars, drums, bass, and keys, they play cellos. And not one, but four of them. Four cellos. Playing metal. Yeah, I know. But it works.

Music as emotional and dramatic as this doesn't come by very often but when it does it hits you right where you thought you wouldn't be hit. I can't describe the feelings I have listening to Cult. Some of the most dramatic moments are when these four Finns turn ultra-dark in tracks like "Pray" and "Kaamos." You know when you are watching a movie and the soundtrack coincides with action taking place? This is how Cult plays out. It's very stimulating. The chaotic ambience of "In Memoriam" makes way for the hyper heavy "Hyperventilation". Not only do they manage to blend fast numbers they manage the slower pieces with just as much emotion and precision.

Previous Apocalyptica CDs have focused solely on metal covers. From their Plays Metallica by Four Cellos that featured Metallica tracks to Inquisition Symphony that featured songs from Metallica, Slayer, and Sepultura. For those that haven't heard them yet, get them - because being surprised and stunned listening to one album is rare these days. And for you Metallica freaks, they do manage to include "Until It Sleeps" and "Fight Fire With Fire" on Cult with all the anger and attitude that is on the originals is here in abundance.

Cult is a great example of a band that shows you how different a band can really be and gives you, hopefully, a new perspective on current bands. When I think of how original some bands are, I will most likely always think of Apocalyptica and how different music can really be. Highly recommended!

[This review originally appeared November 2002 at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]
Tracklisting:
Path / Struggle / Romance / Pray / In Memoriam / Hyperventalation / Beyond Time / Hope / Kaamos / Coma / Hall Of The Mountain King / Until It Sleeps / Fight Fire With Fire

The special edition adds a second CD with: Path Vol. 2 / Hope Vol. 2 / Nothing Else Matters (live in Munich, October 2000) / Harmageddon (live in Munich, October 2000) / Inquisition Symphony (live in Munich, October 2000)

Musicians:
Eicca Toppinen - cello
Paavo Lotjonen - cello
Perttu Kivilaakso - cello

Discography:
'Apocalyptica' (single) (1996)
Plays Metallica By Four Cellos (1996)
Inquisition Symphony (1998)
Cult (2000)
Live (2001)
Cult - Special Edition (2001)
Best Of Apocalyptica (2002)
Reflections (2003)
Reflections Revised (2003) (includes bonus DVD with live perf.)
Apocalyptica (2005)
Amplified - A Decade Of Reinventing The Cello (2006)
Worlds Collide (2007)

The Life Burns Tour (DVD) (2006)

Genre: Progressive-Power Metal

Origin FI

Added: November 26th 2004
Reviewer: Gary Carson
Score:
Artist website: www.apocalyptica.com
Hits: 2541
Language: english