Is that possible to play hard metal with four cellos and a drum set? Yes, as the Finnish Apocalyptica proved, which debuted in 1998 with the controversial Apocalyptica Plays Metallica By Four Cello's. The cello was freed from its somewhat dull image in one fell swoop and Apocalyptica became a frequent guest at the summer festivals. After the self-titled 2005 album with own work, the live DVD The
… Life Burns Tour is released. As befits a classical ensemble, the musicians sit in front of a wooden partition, this time with skulls on it. For the rest it is actually a normal rock show, with stroboscopes, smoke effects and headbanging musicians. After a few songs the gimmick is worn out and the fact that the band has no vocalist takes revenge and it is again the Metallica songs, instead of their own compositions, that provide the best moments of the show. Extras include a tour film with interviews with the band members - where they show themselves serious and dedicated musicians - and seven video clips that include Nina Hagen and Soulfly's Max Cavalera. (MS)more
