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Popeye The Slayer Man actress, Angela Relucio, and musicians, Kyle Brian Abbott (Vigil of War) and Dustin Treinen (Paria) just unleashed “Sailor to Slayer,” an explosive alternative metal song that serves as an anthem to the much discussed horror film, Popeye the Slayer Man, which hits select theaters as well as VOD on Friday March 21, 2025. The trio, performing collectively as The Man From Alphabet, also dropped an accompanying high-octane music video that pays homage to the Popeye of yesteryear as well as the reimagined, darker version. In fact, Treinen said,” I was driven to create a dark mood for the song as a whole, but begin with something energetic that kicks in hard and has a lot of groove, eventually using a syncopated rhythm to build into a big open chorus with a thick and powerful wall of guitars and haunting vocal melodies.” Relucio, who stars in the movie, adds, “Having been in the film, I knew the script intimately, so I wrote lyrics that go deeper than Popeye’s monstrous facade while honoring the other characters’ experience, and capturing the sort of raw chaos that makes you feel on edge. I also wanted to convey that intensity in my music video performance. So you get a taste of what you can expect from the film.” For Abbott, whose YouTube channel with drum content has garnered over 30 million views, it was a no-brainer to jump on board; while stuck in LA traffic, he heard a radio show host raving about the movie’s announcement. Abbott recalls, “Coincidentally, Dustin called me up a few hours later and asked me to co-write the theme for it [themovie]. I was, like, ‘Fuck yeah! Dustin came in with some riff ideas and structure, and then we finalized the instrumentation and matched Angela’s lyrical ideas to the music. I’ve been producing rock and metal for about 15 years, but this was one of the first times I really got to take a song from demo to the final product and not feel any imposter syndrome through the process. It slaps, mayne." Both the “Sailor to Slayer” song and video are set to make waves in the alternative metal scene, and with Popeye the Slayer Man soon hitting theaters and VOD, this powerhouse collaboration promises to leave a lasting mark on fans of both horror and music. STREAM "SAILOR TO SLAYER" SPOTIFY APPLE MUSIC YOUTUBE MUSIC OFFICIAL BAND WEBSITE POPEYE THE SLAYER MAN which releases to theaters and on VOD on Friday March 21, 2025 via Vantage Media (and is available for Pre-Order NOW on Apple TV), is directed by Robert Michael Ryan from a screenplay by John Doolan (Remains), and is a co-production between Salem House Films, Millman Productions, Ron Lee Productions, and Otsego Media. Jeff Miller (The Toy box), Cuyle Carvin (Ouija Witch), and Ryan also contributed to the story. Producers include - along with Miller, Carvin, and Ryan-Alexander Tucker, Nathan Todaro, and Alysa Blasetti. Reads the synopsis for Popeye the Slayer Man, “A group of friends sneak into an abandoned spinach canning factory to film a documentary on the legend of ‘The Sailor Man,’ who is said to haunt the factory and local docks, only to find out that the legend is all-too true.” Popeye the Slayer Man stars Sean Michael Conway, Elena Juliano, Mabel Thomas, Marie -Louise Boisnier, Jeff Thomas, and Steven McCormack, along with “scream queens” Angela Relucio (Code Black, The Cabining) and Sarah Nicklin (The Black Mass, Garden of Eden). Jason Stephens plays the title role. Special makeup effects are supervised by R.J. Young with cinematography by Korey Rowe. Said Ryan of Popeye the Slayer Man, a film which has been featured on Drudge Report, CBS News and outlets around the world since its announcement in November of 2024, “We went old-school with this movie, using practical effects for the horror. I wanted this film to have a more visceral feel reminiscent of the classic horror films of the ‘70s and ‘80s.” Added Miller, “We hope audiences will have as much fun with this movie as we had making it. Grab a can of spinach, sit back, and enjoy!” Said VMI Worldwide COO and Head of Acquisitions Jessica Russo, who negotiated the deal, “Popeye the Slayer Man’s dark reimagining of the classic Popeye character delivers a fresh take on a beloved icon that audiences will die for." 
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I got to the Oriental Theatre about an hour before the doors opened on a cold windy evening. There were people in line and Delain’s meet and greet was going on inside. Of course the conversations were about tonight's show and people were talking about the last time they had seen the bands perform this evening. Always fun to hear stories that fans have experienced. I was looking at the flyers of bands that are coming to the oriental over the next few weeks. I turned just in time to see Margarita Monet of Edge of Paradise round the corner and she saw me and put the things she was caring down and I got a big hug and we talked for a bit. I cover the band's shows when they come to Denver and we have become friends. The doors opened and we all moved inside and got warm and talked with some of the staff there that I know. I have covered a number of shows here and they have a great staff. As always, I head down to the pit and say hi to the security guys and stash my gear, then hang out with friends. The lights came down and rousing cheer came from the crowd as one by one, the members of Edge of Paradise came onto the stage. They started their set with “Prophecy Unbound” from their new album, Prophecy which was released just a few days ago on Napalm records. The band states “that the album is their most powerful yet and explores themes of the human subconscious and the impact of artificial intelligence”. The power coming from the band filled the venue with high energy and the crowd soaked it all up. The stage at the Oriental is larger than the previous stages I covered the band on and they had a lot of room to move around and they used it up. As Margarita moved about, her powerful voice rang throughout the venue backed by superb musicianship. Throughout their set and watching the band interacting with each other and the crowd while pouring out intense energy with their music was electrifying. Most of their set of songs was from the new album but they stepped back in time with “Hologram” from their 2023 album of the same name and “Digital Paradise” from their 2021 album, The Unknown. Edge of Paradise closed out their set with “Falling Light” off their new album. A cheer roared from the crowd for a great set as the band said goodnight. Edge of Paradise members: Margarita Monet – vocals (2011–present) Dave Bates – lead guitar (2011–present) David Ruiz – rhythm guitar (2017–present) Jamie Moreno – drums (2020–present) Kenny Lockwood – bass (2023–present) Setlist: Prophecy Unbound The Other Side of Fear Hologram Death Note n Give it to Me (Mind Assassin) Digital Paradise Falling Light EDGE OF PARADISEXANDRIAAfter a short break the stage was set and the crowd was ready for Xandria. This would be my third time covering Xandria and I was as excited as I was the first time to see them again. As each member took the stage waving to the crowd they started their first song and Ambre timed her entrance to the explosive song, “You Will Never Be Our God” from their 2023 album, The Wonders Still Awaiting. The power of this song is amazing, especially hearing it live. The crowd in the venue were going crazy and it didn’t stop there as Xandria moved right onto “Reborn” from the same album. The power these amazing musicians were pouring out into the crowd is something you will want to hear live! With their stage presence and lighting that danced across the stage, this photographer was in heaven as well as the crowd. Watching each of them stage interacting with each, or displaying their skills for the crowd brought cheers from everyone. Their high energy set continued with “200 Years” and “Two Worlds” and the venue rocked, hands in the air and head banging and cheering after each song. Finishing their set, Xandria stepped back in time to 2014 and from the Sacrificium album poured out, “Nightfall” and their fans roared with appreciation of a great finish for a great show! Xandria members: Marco Heubaum – rhythm guitar (1994–present), keyboards (1997–present), vocals (1994–2001) Ambre Vourvahis – vocals (2022–present) Rob Klawonn – lead guitar (2022–present) Tim Schwarz – bass (2022–present) Dimitrios Gatsios – drums (2022–present) Setlist: You Will Never Be Our God Reborn Universal 200 Years Two Worlds Live the Tale Nightfall 2014 Sacrificium DELAINThe stage was set and the fog was heavy across the stage and into the crowd. With cheering from their fans, each member made their way onto the stage through the fog. The opening of “The Cold” from their 2023 album, Dark Waters started as Delain took to the stage and Diana made her way out to the cheering crowd and another powerful energizing set of music exploded throughout the venue to their roaring fans. Diana’s vocals poured out over the crowd and all eyes were on her as she moved about. Moving right into 2016’s “Suckerpunch” had Delain fans jumping and singing along with the song. This would be only the beginning of moving back and forth through two decades of great music. As the lights danced on stage and Delain took to moving about interacting with each other and their fans. Many songs brought out memories for their fans, such as 2020's “Burning Bridges”, 2014’s “Stardust”, from their newest album, “Dance With The Devil” from the album of the same name. Each song was as powerful as ever and their fans were going crazy for every one of them. Towards the end of their set, another song that lit up the hearts of the crowd was 2012’s “April Rain”. Another powerful set of music was about to come to an end, but it would end with a song that everyone knows and most likely can sing it without any help, “We Are The Other’s” from the 2012 album of the same name. Delain said goodnight to a cheering crowd. It wasn’t a packed house this evening but you would have thought it was by the volume of the crowd that was there. On another note, Martijn Westerholt was not at tonight's show, he had to return home for family matters and we all hope all is well with his family. He said would be back for their show on the 16th at the Forge in Joliet, IL. Delain members: Martijn Westerholt – keyboards (2002, 2005–present) Sander Zoer – drums (2006–2014, 2021–present) Ronald Landa – guitars, backing vocals, harsh vocals (2006–2009, 2021–present) Ludovico Cioffi – bass, backing vocals, harsh vocals (2022–present) Diana Leah – lead vocals (2022–present) Setlist: The Cold Suckerpunch The Reaping Dance With the Devil Burning Bridges Creatures The Quest and the Curse Stardust Get the Devil Out of Me Your Body Is a Battleground Queen of Shadow The Gathering Don't Let Go Moth to a Flame April Rain Not Enough We Are the Others With the first single release on 3.13.25 titled, “FxCK YOU”, we wanted to just start out with the “no rules, no expectations” vibe to this album. We have never had explicit lyrics in any of our music in the past 10 years. It’s past due. Being authentic is more important to us than what is expected in today’s trends of what people may think metal music should be. We think our music is a Sonata. Our Black Sonata A collection of RAVEN BLACK'S darker metal carnival. Familiar but unexpected new oddities find themselves thrown into the metal madness with dark, fun, quirky, weird, creepy and disturbing chaos. Sing, scream, dance, cry, pit or all of it! Exactly what was intended. Music that moves you into another world. This world, in the 13th Hour, of RAVEN BLACK. Raven shares, “when you’re faced with loss, grief, sadness and anger all at the same time, it is hard to focus on anything in your life. The pause button is necessary. I paused for a moment to do what I needed to do for my own physical and mental health. I found myself. All of me, all the pieces, even the hidden ones”. This album is so special. With my husband, Ryan “Muppet” Cox, and friend, Maezi Kacey, and working with Ulrich Wild, at WURMgroup, this has become our best work since we started in 2011. No more rules. Our Art is expressed.  There comes a moment when the weight of existence feels insurmountable—when every push forward is met with an equal and opposite force dragging you down. “2B1” is the sound of that battle. A brutal confrontation with despair, and the relentless pursuit of something more. "They say I’m off the deep end, but I don’t care. I never learned to swim." Doubt and defiance. Fear and resilience. “2B1” is a raw confessional—peeling back the layers of struggle, revealing the jagged edge between survival and surrender. How many times can you fight the same battle? How many times can you bleed before you break? "This song embodies that internal war," says drummer Brian Steele Medina. "There’s a moment when you realize the fight isn’t just against the world—it’s against yourself. And that’s the hardest battle of all." Through crushing riffs, relentless rhythms, and soaring vocals, Gemini Syndrome dives deep into the abyss, confronting the cyclical torment of doubt, exhaustion, and the endless search for meaning. "I spent some time with my depression, just to learn it’s all a state of mind." The mind is both prison and sanctuary. To break free, you must first acknowledge the cage. “2B1” isn’t just about enduring the pain—it’s about transcending it. Choosing to keep moving forward even when the odds seem insurmountable. "Is it all for nothing? I’m running out of energy. Is anybody hearing me?" The question echoes in the void. A plea, a challenge, a mantra for those who refuse to fade into silence. "At its core, ‘2B1’ is about persistence," says vocalist Aaron Nordstrom. "It’s about pushing past your limits, even when it feels like you have nothing left to give. Maybe the victory isn’t in winning—but in refusing to quit." This is the essence of Origin: From Nothingness to Everything—a cycle of destruction and rebirth, of breaking and rebuilding. The path is treacherous, but to walk it is to prove you are still alive. Gemini Syndrome invites you into the fire, daring you to push, to pull, to ache, to bleed—until you decay, or until you transcend.  ROCK LANSING has announced that rock giants SALIVA has taken top billing for the May 10th Festival as Badflower isn't going to be a part of ROCK LANSING due to circumstances beyond our control. ROCK LANSING will be announcing the full epic lineup soon! The May 10th event currently features heavy hitters Saliva, Ayron Jones, Crobot, Any Given Sin along with Conquer Divide, Shallow Side, Heartsick and many more rising stars (See Current Lineup Below) ROCK LANSING promises an adrenaline-packed weekend of pure rock energy. No need to break the bank at ROCK LANSING as our Throwback prices start at ONLY $45 or upgrade to a VIP Experience! Low Cost tickets, food & drink options are JUST the beginning! General Admission (GA) Tickets:$45 regular / $50 week of / $55 day of
Gates times updated: Gates will open at 11:30am (11:00am for VIP). Full day of music coming at you!  NINIBY: TERRELL STEWART One thing I knew for sure as I headed to the Gothic Theater this past Sunday night for this show was, it was going to be a lot of fun. I was not disappointed in any way. Opening the show this evening was a very pleasant surprise for me was NINI. I had discovered her a couple of years ago on Youtube and was excited to see her live. Dressed in a very colorful traditional silk costume which she looked wonderful in, she began her set shredding with one of her traditional Chinese instruments which she has mastered over many years of playing them. She also plays modern guitars as well. Her set was a mixture of metal and Taiwanese folk metal. Vocalist Jesse Venom poured out his hardcore vocals and at times joined in on guitar. Their stage presence with the colorful lighting and just a small amount of fog made for a great atmosphere. The crowd was really into her and showed their appreciation with a loud roaring applause after each song. NINI finished out her set with a cover of Brittany Spears “Hit Me Baby One More Time”. With the crowd cheering, NINI and her band mates said goodnight. I had the pleasure of meeting NINI a little later that evening along with many other fans. NINI: NiNi – Ruan, Liuqin, San Xian, ukulele, Irish banjo, DaoYu Jesse Venom – guitar - vocals Taylor Bellemare – guitars Emilio Vergo – drums Setlist: Longma HUYAO WUKONG MAZ SOLO + BEE CAN'T HELP FALLING IN GAN BEI HOMELAND HIT ME BABY ONE MORE TIME - (Brittany Spears cover) TROLLFESTI had not seen Trollfest in a number of years and was looking forward to a fun set by them. But when they all took the stage in pink flamingo outfits with head pieces and blacklight face makeup I thought, this is going to be a one crazy set! They started their set with, “Dance Like a Pink Flamingo” and as the red lightning danced across the stage their fans were going crazy head banging and cheering. Trollfest throughout their set were constantly egging on the crowd to move. At one point, what looked like a little mosh pit, was actually a conga line that grew and grew. The energy level by now was off the charts and the packed venue found a way to move or dance wherever they could. Throughout a great set of music that energized the crowd, Trollfest had the crowd split in half and one half sat on the floor while the other half was jumping and dancing and then they would switch. Trollfest finished out their night with “Helvetes hunden garm” and the crowd roared in thanks for a crazy fun set. TrollfesT members: Jostein "Trollmannen" Austvik – vocals (2003–present) John "Mr. Seidel" Sagstad – guitars (2003–present) Eirik "Trollbank" Renton – drums, bouzouki (2003–present) Dag "Drekka Dag" Stiberg – saxophone (2011–present) Kai "Fjernkontrollet" Renton – accordion, keyboards (2017–present) Fabian "Fabio Grimdrap" Jiru – guitars (2019–present) Bjørn "Kjellkjé" Rønnow – drums (2019–present) Alexander "Böesse Basshöl" Bøe – bass (2022–present) Setlist: Dance Like a Pink Flamingo Flamongous Essenfest Ave Maria @Cover Twenty Miles an Hour Kaptein Kaos Illsint Renkespill Piña Colada @Info[Conga line formed in the audience] Kjettaren mot strømmen All Drinks on Me Espen Bin Askeladden Helvetes hunden garm ENSIFERUMNext up was Ensiferum who I also had not seen for many years. The band wasted no time in getting the crowd moving, starting their set with the fast paced anthem, “Fatherland” and the crowd was on the move. From there the energy throughout the venue was electric and what is really fun is that all the members take their turn singing. The lights danced through the fog as the band moved about the stage and then, as I was moving to the other side of the stage, here came a crowd surfer, a young lady, face painted up and a smile that could light up the venue. I have no idea how the energy level could get any higher, but it did. Ensiferum moved through their high energy set and the crowd did not slow down. But listening to each member taking their turns singing was really special because each one had their own style and they all sounded great. Throughout their set, their musicianship with a blend of fun and high energy songs had the crowd endlessly moving and cheering that only added to what a great night it was and still having one more band to go! Ensiferum finished out their set with “Two of Spades” and left the crowd wanting more and more was coming. Ensiferum members: Markus Toivonen – guitars, backing vocals (1995–present), clean vocals (2004–2020) Petri Lindroos – harsh vocals, guitars (2004–present) Sami Hinkka – bass, clean and harsh vocals (2004–present) Janne Parviainen – drums (2005–present) Pekka Montin – keyboards, clean vocals (2020–present) Setlist: Fatherland Twilight Tavern Treacherous Gods Winter Storm Vigilantes Lai Lai Hei The Howl From Afar Andromeda Leniret Coram Tempestate @Tape Victorious Wanderer Rum, Women, Victory In My Sword I Trust Two of Spades KORPIKLAANIKorpiklaai bounced their way onto the stage to a cheering venue and they started their high energy set with “Rankarumpu” and how anyone had the energy left to move surprised me. I wasn’t even moving, I got tired watching the bands and crowds non-stop movements. The band members were on the move all over the stage as they wowed the crowd with amazing musicianship and on stage antics while encouraging the crowd's interactions as well. The atmosphere they create on stage with their music is fun and energizing and their fans can’t get enough of it. When I tell people about their folk music, I get strange looks, I hear, “it sounds boring isn't it”? I tell people to go on Youtube and watch their live videos, they will see what I mean. I keep using the word fun because that's what this music is all about, people are moving, dancing, cheering and laughing. Drummer Samuli Mikkonen fired up the crowd with a kick ass drum solo that had everyone cheering. Finishing off their amazing set, Korpiklaani played two fan favorites, “Tequila” and “Vodka”. What a night! I doubt very much if anyone at this show had any problems sleeping that night. I sure didn’t! Korpikliaani members: Jonne Järvelä – vocals, guitar (1993–present) Kalle "Cane" Savijärvi – guitar (2003–present) Jarkko Aaltonen – bass (2005–present) Sami Perttula – accordion (2013–present) Samuli Mikkonen – drums (2019–present) Olli Vänskä – violin (2022–present) Setlist: Rankarumpu A Man With a Plan Saunaan Happy Little Boozer Ievan polkka Rauta Aita Oraakkelit Kalmisto Tuli kokko Vaarinpolkka Leväluhta Gotta Go Home @Cover Iron Fist @Cover Viima Metsämies Drum Solo Sahti Tequila Vodka "BELOW IT ALL" "talks about the power of knowledge and the addiction to greed. It’s a tale of how the people who seem to have it all and know it all are somehow below it all as they aren’t having an authentic life experience." - LANE STEELE WORLDWIDE PANIC highly anticipated second full-length LP, titled "The Greatest Villain The World Has Ever Seen" is due for release in the coming months while the previous single, “Break Me Down,” (released November 1, 2024) recently hit #9 on the Top 50 Mainstream/Active Rock Chart. "Below It All" dives into the relentless battle for approval and the weight of expectactions, only to remind us that true validation comes from within. The message is clear: if you're chasing the impossible standards of others, you'll always be looking up from below. But if you stand firm in who you are, their opinions don't matter. Because those who think they 'know it all' often find themselves "Below It All". WORLDWIDE PANIC self-titled debut album, released in early 2023 and mastered by the legendary Chris “Zeuss” Harris, quickly gained traction at Active Rock Radio. Singles like “I Tried” (which hit #23 on the Billboard Rock Indicator and #11 on SMR) and “Falling Apart” (#25 Billboard Rock Indicator, #6 SMR) earned the band impressive chart placements, showcasing their rising dominance in the scene.  BY: RICK LANCASTER It was a cold dreary rainy night in Chicago on Wednesday March 5thbut that didn't stop a nearly sold out crowd to come together and enjoy some good old school thrash metal at The House of Blues in Chicago,IL. The tone of the night was set by Oxnard,California's Dead Heat. They had the crowd in a circle pitting freny. Up next wasOakland, California's Necrot. You could feel the energy building as they played and the crowd was a sea of headbanging and moshing. The stage was set for Cavalera and the crowd was getting restless waiting. As soon as they took the stage it was like and energetic release between the band and the crowd. It was a sea full of thrash metal mania. The headbanging and moshing was circa 1990. The brothers Max and Iggor along with Max's son and Iggor's nephew Igor Amadeaus and Guitarist Travis Stone laid waste to the hungry Chicago crowd basically playing all of 1987s Schizophrenia and a few choice tracks off of 1985s Bestial Devistation/Morvid Visions. As an added bonus Cavalera did a medley of 1993s Chaos AD which included "Refuse/Resist,Propaganda,Territory,Biotech is Godzilla" which had a guest guitarist (Bo) from Chicago's own Harm's Way. If you get the chance to catch this tour you better go cause this is the last time this batch of songs will be played by the brothers and the rest of the band. Remaining tour dates below along with tour flyer and all applicable links. Setlist: 1. From the Past 2. To the Wall 3. Escape to the Void 4. Morbid Visions 5. Mayhem 6. Bestial Devastation 7. Antichrist 8. Necromancer 9. Inquisition Symphony 10. Septic Schizo 11. Nightmares of Delirium 12. R.I.P. (Rest In Pain) 13. Chaos Medley (Refuse/Resist, Propaganda, Territory, Biotech is Godzilla) 14. Troops of Doom 15. Black Magic (Slayer Cover) 03/09 – Boston, MA @ Paradise * 03/11 – Albany, NY @ Empire Live * 03/12 – Wilmington, DE @ The Queen * 03/13 – Brooklyn, NY @ Warsaw * 03/14 – Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore * 03/15 – Greensboro, NC @ Hanger 1819 * 03/16 – Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theater * 03/17 – Orlando, FL @ The Abbey * 03/18 – Ft Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room * 03/20 – New Orleans, LA @ Howlin’ Wolf * 03/21 – Houston, TX @ Hell’s Heroes Fest 03/22 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Beer City * 03/23 – Dallas, TX @ Echo Music Hall * 03/24 – Wichita, KS @ WAVE * 03/26 – San Antonio, TX @ Aztec Theater * 03/27 – El Paso, TX @ Lowbrow Palace * 03/28 – Albuquerque, NM @ El Rey Theater * 03/30 – Phoenix, AZ @ Van Buren * Tickets available at www.cavaleraconspiracy.net/tour NITA STRAUSSI recently had the great pleasure of covering Apocalyptica’s 2025 tour here In Denver, CO. A band I have wanted to see for some time. The night started out with Nita Strauss putting on a display of her amazing guitar skills. I have had the pleasure of covering her 3 times before, with one of those times when she was with Alice Cooper. She started her set with “Momentum” from the 2023 album, The Call of the Void and with a combination of her shredding skills and stage presence, she electrified the atmosphere in the Paramount Theatre. Backed with a solid hard hitting band, the onslaught continued. There was no end to the energy level which rose with each song, “Summer Storm” and “Scorched” had everyone on their feet raising the horns and head banging. During the song, “The Quest”, drummer Josh Villalta put on a display of his skills doing a drum solo to a cheering crowd. With the next song, “Victorious”, special guest Kasey Karlsen of Deadlands took to the stage and the addition of her vocals fit perfectly into the songs and was greeted with a roar from the crowd. With the haunting keys from Katt Scarlett and Johnny D Young’s crashing riffs added to the intensity of the music. The band closed out their night with, “The Wolf You Feed” and her fans were on their feet letting out a deafening roar in appreciation of an amazing show. Nita Strauss with her amazing, powerful skills and stage presence, continues to wow her fans old and new and she is and will continue to be a powerful force in the world of great guitarists! Members: Nita Strauss - Guitars Josh Villalta – drums Johnny D Young – rhythm guitar Katt Scarlett – keyboards Kasey Karlsen – vocals (2023–present) Setlist: Momentum Our Most Desperate Hour Summer Storm Mariana Trench Scorched The Quest / Drum Solo Victorious Digital Bullets Dead Inside The Wolf You Feed APOCALYPTICAWhen you sit down and talk about metal music, the “cello” is not the first instrument you might think of. But in 1993, four classically trained cellists from Finland adopted what is now called a “neoclassical metal style”, a subgenre of metal. This came about because they decided to be a Metallica cover band at the time. They are known as Apocalptica! Over the years they developed their own style and sound. Doing a mix of originals and covers of other artists as well. Fast forward to 2025 and they announced their Apocalyptica Plays Metallica VOL 2 Tour! Yes, a night of Metallica covers! I had the great pleasure of not only seeing them for the first time but being able to cover the show as well. The stage was set and as the lights came down a tape of, “The Ecstasy of Gold” started and after a few minutes, Apocalyptica took the stage. Now you might think they would be sitting down for the show, oh no, they bounced on stage with their cellos in hand and each one had a long metal stem at the bottom of each cello for support and they broke into, “Ride the Lightning” a roar from their fans filled the Paramount Theatre. This was the beginning of the energy level that did not slow down. What I found, ok, fascinating was the sound of the cello as compared to a guitar, it was great to listen to live. Add to that was drummer, Mikko Kaakkuriniemi provided a pounding heartbeat that would set you back. Can you shred a cello, because it sure sounded like that to me. From there it was “Enter Sandman” and “Creeping Death”. The guys moved about the stage with their cellos with ease and to watch them play and interact with each and their fans was something to witness. I found myself at times putting my camera down, not for long, but I was just watching the magic they were creating on stage. When they started with my all time favorite Metallica song, “For Whom the Bell Tolls”, I could feel the goosebumps rise up on my arms. Throughout their set, it was amazing to listen to the riffs and the crazy energy coming from the stage but also they had the sound of an orchestra. That's the best way I can describe it. The crowd was amazing with their interactions with the band and the band came right back at them! All the while, the lights danced across the stage through a light fog now and then with the music. Moving toward the last few songs, Apocalyptica blew everyone away with, “Nothing Else Matters”. You could see the crowd losing themselves in the song and listening to how Apocalyptica in their style paid a huge compliment to Metallica. Finishing their set with “One” left the crowd wanting more. I can’t wait to see them again, it was an incredible show to witness. Apocalyptica members: Eicca Toppinen – bandleader, lead cello (original and occasional role), rhythm cello (current role), programming (1993–present) Paavo Lötjönen – rhythm/bass cello (1993–present), lead cello on "Master of Puppets" (1996–2019) Perttu Kivilaakso – lead cello (current role), programming (1995, 1999–present), rhythm cello (1995, 1999–2002) Touring members: Tipe Johnson (Leningrad Cowboys) – vocals (2009–2012, 2019) Franky Perez – vocals (2014–2016, 2022–2023) Lauri Kankkunen – lead/rhythm cello (2019) Mikko Kaakkuriniemi – drums (2024–present) Setlist: The Ecstasy of Gold @Tape @Cover Ride the Lightning @Cover Enter Sandman @Cover Creeping Death @Cover For Whom the Bell Tolls @Cover Battery @Cover The Call of Ktulu @Cover St. Anger @Cover The Four Horsemen @Cover Blackened @Cover Master of Puppets @Cover Nothing Else Matters @Cover Seek & Destroy @Cover One @Cover |
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