TOP TEN: Apocalyptica

This band was formed in 1993 when four cellists came together: Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen, Max Lilja & Antero Manninen were all part of Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland when they decided to become a group. They released their debut album with only Metallica cover songs in 1996. Fittingly the album was called „Plays Metallica by Four Cellos“. The album was a success in their homecountry and reached the Top 10. In 1998 the group released their 2nd album „Inquisition Symphony“ with 3 original songs and more covers from Metallica, Faith No More, Sepultura and Pantera. It also reached the Top 10 in Finland.

In 1999 Manninen left the group and was replaced by Perttu Kivilaasko. They released their 3rd studio album „Cult“ in 2000, the first lp with mostly original songs. It also contained some songs with featured singers as an extra. In 2002 Max Lilja left the group and in 2003 the trio released their next album „Reflections“ – the first one with only original songs. With a different sound the group added drummer Mikko Sirén.

In 2005 Apocalyptica released the self-titled 5th studio album. It featured Ville Valo of Him, Lauri Ylönen from The Rasmus and Dave Lombardo. It became their most successful album with a #2 in Finland, but also Top Ten in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The single „Bittersweet“ became their first and only #1 in Finland and also reached the Top 10 in the German Single Charts. In 2007 they released their next album „Worlds Collide“ which included guest vocalists Corey Taylor from Slipknot, Till Lindemann of Rammstein and Adam Gontier of Three Days Grace. The album was the first to chart in the USA as well, and was a Top Ten success in Germany and Finland. The single „I Don’t Care“ peaked at #1 in the US Mainstream Rock Charts – the first Finnish band to do so.

In 2010 the band released their next album „7th Symphony“ – it was a worldwide success and reached #31 in the USA, their best result. It also reached the Top 10 in Germany and #2 in Finland. The album featured guest vocals from Gavin Rossdale (Bush), Lacey Sturm nee Mosley (Flyleaf), Brent Smith (Shinedown) and Joseph Duplantier (Gojira). In 2015 they followed up with their next album „Shadowmaker“. And at the beginning of 2020 their last album „Cell-0“ so far.

Time to give you my favorite 10 songs of this group. Hope you enjoy! What are your favorites? Write in the comments and discuss this ranking but please keep it civil. Thank you!

No copyright infringement intended you can buy and stream all these songs in your favorite store in full length. No money is made with these videos, they are simply a hobby to celebrate music.

To support Apocalyptica go to their official sites, buy and stream their songs. Thank you!