Apocalyptica

Apocalyptica
Apocalyptica at the 2009 Ilosaarirock festival.
Background information
Origin	Helsinki, Finland
Genres	Cello metal classical gothic metal alternative metal heavy metal neoclassical metal
Years active	1993–present
Labels	Eleven Seven MCA Zen Garden Mercury 20-20 Jive Sony Music RCA
Website	www.apocalyptica.com
Members	Eicca Toppinen Paavo Lötjönen Perttu Kivilaakso Mikko Sirén Franky Perez
Past members	Max Lilja Antero Manninen

Apocalyptica is a Finnish cello metal band from Helsinki, Finland formed in 1993. The band is composed of classically trained cellists Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen, and Perttu Kivilaakso (all three of whom are graduates of the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki) and drummer Mikko Sirén. Originally a Metallica classical tribute band, the band eventually adopted a neoclassical metal style without the use of conventional guitars. They have sold over four million albums to date.

Apocalyptica was formed in 1993 when four cellists, Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen, Max Lilja, and Antero Manninen gathered to play Metallica covers at Sibelius Academy. In 1996, Apocalyptica released their debut studio album, Plays Metallica by Four Cellos, which consisted solely of Metallica covers played on cellos. They were later featured on two songs on the Waltari album Space Avenue in 1997. In 1998, Apocalyptica released their second studio album, Inquisition Symphony, which was produced by Hiili Hiilesmaa. Inquisition Symphony once again contained covers of Metallica, but also contained covers of Faith No More, Sepultura, and Pantera. For this album the band also decided to include three original songs written by Eicca Toppinen.