In an industry well-known for inserting numerous bands into crates, nailing down the lids, and ultimately discarding them due to lack of creativity, APOCALYPTICA have always remained above the monotonous; not just as international market-leaders but also as a group who have successfully created a market of their own. This Finnish troupe have not only proven that rock music does not deal with the instruments one plays, but the attitude one keeps while playing. Since APOCALYPTICA?s commencement, they have been developing a style that can be best described as ?cello-rock.? The possibilities were vast, but whatever the obstacle, the fact remains that never before had a group of classically trained cellists attempted to fuse together the seemingly contrasting worlds of classical music and hard rock. By uniting the middle ground between the orchestra pit and the mosh pits, the dinner jacket and the denim jacket, the high class with the middle class, APOCALYPTICA remain respectful to both segments, passing all limitations and reaching an entirely fresh musical genre. In many ways, the progression achieved since the single, Apocalyptica, had remarkably destroyed any myth about the rules and restrictions of rock music. The success of APOCALYPTICA's first album ?Four Cellos, (now pushing over 800,000 sales worldwide) proved that what had started as a musical curiosity had swiftly established classical followers and heavy metal fans alike. By adding pick-ups to an instrument dating back to the sixteenth century and throwing in extra-tough strings, APOCALYPTICA gained much recognition, hitting the screen when two tracks from the ?Four Cellos release became featured in the film Your Friends And Neighbors (1998). For the follow-up, Inquisition Symphony, APOCALYPTICA cast their collective net over ranges of covers from pieces by Sepultura, Faith No More and Pantera. Three further studio outings and APOCALYPTICA stood (or, more accurately, sat!) as a major force in the world of emerging music. Having sold almost two million albums worldwide, performing in over 20 different countries, recording with legendary guests like German mother of punk Nina Hagen and Metallica, APOCALYPTICA summarily picked up high-profile awards for video & export achievements. Cult came next in succession, handling highly profiled compositions that had brought the group the rightfully deserved appreciation for their distinctive efforts. Self-titled, self-produced, and mixed by engineer Stefan Glaumann (Rammstein, Backyard Babies), the full-length release of Apocalyptica saw these Cello-Rockers take control and grow into a whole new level of symphonies. The hit single ?Bittersweet? saw two of Finland?s rock deities: Ville Valo (H.I.M.) and Lauri Ylonen (The Rasmus), appear as guest musicians and this emotionally charged track was later used as the theme song for the videogame The Settlers: Heritage Of The Kings. With that bridge having been crossed, it was only to be expected that the release of Reflections, would see the band drawing ever more strongly on their own resources. It was clear that the guys were keen to stand or fall on their own merits, and with Reflections, APOCALYPTICA have not only produced the record, but calling in legendary drummer Dave Lombardo (Slayer) not only made the groups increasing vision a reality, but also left no stone unturned in the single-minded pursuit of quality & control. At the heart of any APOCALYPTICA release is the organic sound of the cello, slowing the pace a touch and achieving a studio sound high on authenticity and power. Rather than a collection of tracks loosely strung together, Reflections is very much a passage, full of vim & vigor reaching immeasurable notes that are thoughtful & hugely evocative. Still mainly instrumental, but with enough vocal presence to turn up the drama when required, Reflections is a major achievement for all eager to hear the melding of different genres and the creation of a heavy hybrid style. It will be no surprise if this release becomes the finest record in the history of this promising groups career. Listen, experience, and recollect.
