Apocalyptica

Apocalyptica is an interesting band that many question the metal of. Cello isnt the first thing that pops into my head when I think but let me assure you, Apocalyptica knows what metal is. On Worlds Collide they bring in a number of guests that each contribute to the album in some way. The guests include Cristina Scabbia (Lacuna Coil) on S.O.S., Adam Gontier (Three Days Grace) on I Dont Care, Till Lindman (Rammstein) on Helden, Cory Taylor (Slipknot, Stone Sour) on Im Not Jesus, Tomoyasu Hotei on Grace, and Dave Lombardo (Slayer) on Last Hope. Each on of these artists brings a different sound to the songs. Many are quick to say this album sucks simply because many of the artists are from the rock genre as opposed to the metal genre. But quite simply that is false. Apocalyptica is opening themselves up to other styles in order to create a more progressive sound for themselves. But they refuse to leave metal behind and this album is no exception.

The album opens with only cello slowly building until the drums burst in a launch into an awesome riff. Cellos and guitars blend astoundingly well on all the songs of the album creating a unique sound that can be compared to no one. Most of the other songs follow a pattern similar to this song. Cello melodies supported by metal riffs and quick, intelligent drumming. The second song Grace utilizes guitars done by Tomoyasu Hotei with excellent results. The riffs support the metal sound when the cello caries the melody and the cellos have no problem backing up the guitar when the guitar gets the melody. The guitar and cello often at times play melodies and countermelodies creating a wonderful sound. This song is by far on of the best on the album. Last Hope is another excellent song. The riffs are impressive and well done but its the drumming that keeps this song going. The speed is just down right impressive. I cant even begin to imagine how difficult it is to keep up with Dave Lombardo on a cello.

Four of the songs feature guest vocalists. Cory Taylors vocals on Im Not Jesus are nothing special. This song is a little catchy but definitely is one of the least metal songs on the album. It is quite a popular song on American radio stations so ultimately this is an effort to earn a few bucks on Apocalypticas part. This song doesnt ruin the album but the album would be fine without it. Helden is entirely in German and is by far the best song with vocals on the album. The dark, powerful voice of Till fits extremely well with the music. This song is dark and is well thought out and arranged. I Dont Care is interesting. It certainly prefers hard rock riffing to metal riffing and would seem to be another radio ploy. But they try to making the song heavier and harder to disguise the fact that it is more hard rock. The band also didnt really pick Adam. The labels told them to try looking at Adam. As musicians they decided that it would be interesting to work with someone of a completely different genre. The song is catchy but the only song that isnt truly metal. The vocals are definetly what you would expect from a rock lead singer. S.O.S. seems like all the other songs on the album just with lyrics. Cristina Scabbia does a good job but this song is pretty boring with no impressive riffs and is only moderately catchy.

This is impressive work by Apocalyptica especially with the attempt to be some what progressive and try new things. Sometimes it works like on the song I Dont Care and other times it doesnt (Im Not Jesus). Apocalyptica shows impressive musicianship and a knowledge of metal that no other artist. Who else can make cello sound metal?