Apocalyptica

Apocalyptica is a band from Helsinki, Finland consisting of three classically-trained cellists and a drummer. Their specialty is heavy metal music on cellos, though they also play classical music. They started in 1993 by playing covers of Metallica, but once the concept became popular they wrote their own original works, maintaining the thrash metal influences on their albums Inquisition Symphony (mainly covers as well) and Cult. Since Reflections, they have added drums to their recordings and live performances. Members: Eicca Toppinen - cello Perttu Kivilaakso - cello Paavo Lötjönen - cello Mikko Sirén - drums Former Members: Antero Manninen – cello (1996–1999, usually plays live) Max Lilja – cello (1996–2002, when he joined Hevein) Dave Lombardo - drums [session member] (2003-2004, also contributed drums on the songs Betrayal/Forgiveness and Last Hope) Covered bands and composers: Metallica Edvard Grieg Pantera Rammstein Sepultura Slayer Faith No More David Bowie (Helden = 'Heroes' cover in German) Collaborations with: Oomph! Nina Hagen Şebnem Ferah Tomoyasu Hotei Lauri Ylönen (of The Rasmus) Linda Sundblad (of Lambretta) Matthias Sayer (of Farmer Boys) Sandra Nasic (of Guano Apes) Ville Valo (of HIM) Marta Jandova (of Die Happy) Emmanuelle Monet, aka Manu (of Dolly) Max Cavalera (of Soulfly, ex-Sepultura, Cavalera Conspiracy) Matt Tuck (of Bullet for My Valentine) Waltari (of Space Avenue) Corey Taylor (of Stone Sour, Slipknot) Till Lindemann (of Rammstein) Cristina Scabbia (of Lacuna Coil) Adam Gontier (of Three Days Grace) Toryn Green (of Fuel) Mats Levén (of Tiamat)