Description

Apocalyptica are thrilled to announce a stunning follow-up to their legendary debut record. Apocalyptica Plays Metallica Vol. 2 will continue the journey that began in 1996 when cellists from Helsinkis world-renowned Sibelius Academy played symphonic tribute to the biggest of the big four heavy metal titans Metallica. For their ninth record the classically-minded dynamos are returning to their roots to bring a legendary story full circle. It also features a host of surprises beginning with a unique collaboration.

Lead single The Four Horsemen, taken from Metallicas 1983 debut Kill Em All will feature Metallica bassist Rob Trujillo, setting the scene for a compendium of deep cuts and brilliant highlights spanning Metallicas staggering 40 year career, and there are more surprises to come.

Founding band-leader Eicca Toppinen comments: Its the coolest thing. We didnt push it was offered. We played the first album live and it was so much more fun and exciting than we expected, so we got the idea to do something like the first album, but we couldnt do it in exactly the same way we needed to challenge ourselves and bring a totally new perspective to the original energy and emotion of Metallica.

Lead cellist Perttu Kivilaakso adds: Weve been talking about making another Metallica album for around 20 years, as there were still so many great songs we wanted to play! We waited for the perfect moment to do it. Thinking of that teenage me who is now getting to play his favorite tracks gives me goosebumps!

This album will be the bands final studio release with Apocalypticas long-time member, drummer Mikko Sirén, who amicably departed after the new albums completion. Plays Metallica Vol. 2 was produced by longtime collaborator and studio supremo Joe Barresi (Queens of the Stone Age, Soundgarden, Nine Inch Nails, Tool) and will be released via new label Throwdown Entertainment on June 7th.