Apocalyptica
Cult

THE REVIEW

The Apocalyptica are Finnish cellists with a classical background (from the Sibelius Academy), known for performing heavy-metal tracks (mainly from Metallica, but not only) with classical instruments. A beautiful idea, developed with lower tunings than hell, with vocal parts entrusted to a violin, and a dark atmosphere that no band with "rock instrumentation" has ever managed to recreate. And, a noteworthy detail, without feeling the need for a drummer (which they use only live, as well as on albums like "Apocalyptica" and "Reflections"). Our musicians don't "limit" themselves to covering Hetfield and Co.'s pieces this time either (relegated, not by chance, to the end of the album: a devastating "Fight Fire With Fire" and "Until it Sleeps"), but they want to propose something else, their OWN compositions, confirming their attitude as great musicians, endowed with sublime technique, aggressiveness, and ability to offer perfect arrangements. However, the result doesn't apparently differ from previous CDs, at times appearing a bit "heavy."

We might think of it as a natural evolution of classical music, demonstrating how there truly is a line of continuity between the metal repertoire and classical music. At the same time, it is undoubtedly an experimental work, which while confirming what was already established, demonstrates Apocalyptica's class. The novelty introduced by offering a large part of "Master of Puppets" in what I would dare to call a "Wagnerian" version (at the time made me scream miracle) seems to have naturally continued here: there's still the pleasure of listening to essentially classical-gothic pieces, deeply dark and intense, even to the most ardent "musical purist". And let's not forget that 10 out of 13 tracks are original compositions!

Probably, the only way to appreciate "Fight Fire With Fire" without loving metal, and, with the excuse, enjoy something new. No one, I believe, will be able to refrain from admiring the evocative "Romance," the poignant "Path," the heavy "Coma" (fortunately, it's not a Guns 'n Roses cover!) without forgetting "Hope," the speed-metal (!) of "Hyperventilation," the aforementioned Metallica classics, and the spectacular "Hall of the Mountain King," which nicely showcases the school attended by our musicians. The masterful drumming of Dave Lombardo is missing (present in the subsequent "Apocalyptica" and "Reflections") and that is a bit unfortunate: but this takes nothing away from a more than noteworthy artistic expression, which requires multiple listens to be understood, without yielding to the temptation to change the CD after 10 minutes. Those who (like me) appreciate classical music without being a devotee of the genre will surely love the sounds of "Cult," which however might push, in some tracks, to skip directly to the next piece: the work at times sounds a bit monotonous, but it's a matter of habit (and open-mindedness). I will never tire of repeating that musicians like Schulze created 20-minute compositions on very few notes, seeming boring and stale only to the most superficial listener.
Therefore, a 5-star work, worthy of attention and to be evaluated carefully.