At the end of 2012, the symphonic metal rock group, Apocalyptica, returned home to Finland to work on "Wagner Reloaded." This concert, a tribute to the 200th anniversary of Richard Wagner’s birth, was a spectacular melding of rock, classical music, dance and theater. It premiered in Leipzig, Germany, on July 5, 2013, and tickets sold out. Fans of Apocalyptica will be excited to hear about the band's upcoming tour, starting March 9, 2014, in Finland. Ticket buyers will be treated to the group’s signature heavy metal cello music and their newest song, “Psalm,” as they join the Finnish Avanti! Chamber Orchestra for a series of concerts in northern Europe.
Apocalyptica came together in 1993 when cellists Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen, Max Lilja and Antero Manninen decided to play Metallica covers. Their debut album, "Metallica by Four Cellos," was released in 1996, followed by "Inquisition Symphony" in 1998. Perttu Kivilaakso, who had appeared with the group in 1995, joined the band in 1999. The album, "Cult, released in 2000, included some metal rock covers, while "Reflections," released in 2003, featured all original songs. In 2003, Mikko Sirén joined the group and added his pounding percussion to Apocalyptica’s hard rocking strings. He was named an official band member in 2005, the same year the group released their fifth album, "Apocalyptica." The album, "Worlds Collide," came out in 2007. It achieved critical success, peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Top Independent Albums chart. Apocalyptica played their unique blend of exciting cello-centered metal rock as special guests of the 2007 Eurovision Final. The band released "7th Symphony" in 2010 and went on a worldwide tour for the next two years. After Apocalyptica finishes their upcoming tour in spring 2014, they'll return to Leipzig on June 7 and 8 for a thrilling encore presentation of "Wagner Reloaded."