Tribute

Mix classical string instruments with the metal genre of music. That’s Apocalyptica.

Composed of four classically trained musicians, the cello quartet borrows elements from a variety of genres. With their roots grounded in Finland, the band find inspiration in Middle Eastern, world, and folk music.

It was the sound that hooked and sunk in me. Unlike anything else I’ve stumbled crossed, literally. Hard driving tempos intensify the sound of strings and the percussive beat of the drums. The contrast is immense. One second you see hardcore rockers in “Bring them to Light”, the next is a stripped piece with the minimum of three cellos and a bass for “Beautiful.” And it is mesmerizing to sit and listen to the transformations of the symphonies. Vocals or not, the aggressive tone is evident as is the passion.

The four pieces do not work alone though. On their current album 7th Symphony, Apocalyptica collaborated with an abundance of other artist for vocals including Brent Smith from Shinedown, Johnny Andrews and Bush’s frontman Gavin Rossdale, Lacey Strum from Flyleaf, and Joe Duplantier of Gojira to name a few.

Ideas of artist who come together are the astounding proof of what collective minds can do, and I love that. It gives a new dynamic to the lyrics and sound. As someone who is open minded, I’m ok with change. Embrace it. Love it. If there’s something new and different, I’m bound to try it.

But the reason for starting Apocalyptica didn’t come from the want to sell four million plus records, the real reason was to pay tribute. Pay tribute to Metallica. In all honesty, that was the main reason for establishment in 1993. Three years later the first album, Plays Metallica by Four Cellos, was released.

From there it evolved. They didn’t care how many sold but with the increased praised and attention from their first album the second came out within the following year. And, too there were Metallica covers.

Its motivation, you see. Motivation can carry you, even if it’s a small interest at first. It grows. It evolves. It becomes what you want it to be.

The small seed holds the hope. But it needs to find set roots, needs to find water, needs to seek the sun’s warmth. From inspiration you will sprout the greenery. You’ve broken through the surface and by blooming you’re paying tribute to the necessities that provide the nurture for growth.