Apocalyptica are thrilled to announce a stunning follow-up to their legendary debut record. Apocalyptica Plays Metallica Vol. 2, releasing on June 7th, 2024 via Throwdown Entertainment / BMG Music, will continue the journey that began in 1996 when cellists from Helsinki’s 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. This will be the final album for drummer Mikko Sirén, who is stepping down from the band. It also features a host of surprises beginning with a unique collaboration. Lead single “The Four Horsemen,” taken from Metallica’s 1983 debut Kill ‘Em All will feature Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo, setting the scene for a compendium of deep cuts and brilliant highlights spanning Metallica’s staggering 40-year career, and there are more surprises to come. Watch the music video to ‘The Four Horsemen’ here.
Stream ‘The Four Horsemen’ here:
https://bmg.lnk.to/TheFourHorsemenPR
Pre-save Apocalyptica Plays Metallica: Vol 2. here:
https://bmg.lnk.to/PlaysMetallicaVol.2PR
Apocalyptica – ‘The Four Horsemen (Metallica Tribute)’
Founding band-leader Eicca Toppinen comments:
“It’s the coolest thing. We didn’t 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 couldn’t 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: “We’ve 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 favourite tracks gives me goosebumps!”
This album will be the band’s final studio release with Apocalyptica’s long-time member, drummer Mikko Sirén, who amicably departed after the new album’s 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.
Alongside the announcement, Apocalyptica will be touring in support of the record, taking them through Europe, including the UK.
Plays Metallica Vol. 2 Tour Dates:
29.09.24 – Manchester Albert Hall, Manchester
30.09.24 – Royal Albert Hall, London
01.10.24 – Olympia Theatre, Dublin
03.10.24 – SWG3, Glasgow
04.10.24 – Rock City, Nottingham
05.10.24 – Great Uni Hall, Cardiff
Tickets on sale Friday 23rd February here: http://myticket.co.uk/artists/Apocalyptica.
Apocalyptica – ‘Plays Metallica Vol. 2’
Track Listing:
- Ride the Lightning
- St Anger
- The Unforgiven II
- Blackened
- The Call of Ktulu (in memory of Cliff Burton)
- The Four Horsemen (ft. Rob Trujillo)
- Holier Than Thou
- To Live Is To Die
- One
- One (Instrumental)
Band Members:
Eicca Toppinen – cellos
Paavo Lötjönen – cellos
Perttu Kivilaakso – cellos