Artist page · 05/07/2026
About
7 vinyl albums blending cello-driven symphonic and black metal; original 1998 'Inquisition Symphony' vinyl commands top prices.
Originating from Helsinki, Apocalyptica began as a quartet of classically trained cellists from the Sibelius Academy. They gained attention initially for their cello renditions of Metallica songs, eventually composing original pieces blending metal rhythms with orchestral cello techniques amplified by effects like distortion. The band’s sound uniquely balances melodic passages, aggressive rhythms, and experimental cello playing, incorporating pizzicato and harmonics.
Apocalyptica continues to explore metal subgenres such as black metal and symphonic metal, releasing multiple LPs with notable records like 'Inquisition Symphony' (1998) and their 2020 instrumental album 'CELL-0'.
Discography
Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.
ThrowDown Entertainment · 2024
Silver Lining Music · 2020
Odyssey Music Network · 2018
Epic · 2015
BMG · 2013
Dragnet Records · 2010
Sony BMG Music Entertainment · 2007
Vertigo · 2005
Island Records · 2003
Mercury · 2000
Mercury · 1998
Mercury · 1996Playlist
The tracks that sum up Apocalyptica's career.
The essentials
Our pick, validated by the editorial team.
A landmark debut on vinyl blending classical cello with alternative metal, featuring Metallica covers and original compositions.
An instrumental album exploring symphonic metal through diverse cello techniques and amplifications, highlighting original compositions.
The latest Metallica covers with rich cello arrangements, upholding the band’s cello metal legacy in a stereo vinyl release.
Go further
Artists who share part of Apocalyptica's musical DNA.
Face B
Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.
Eicca Toppinen described influences ranging from Metallica to Shostakovich and Prokofiev.— Eicca Toppinen
The band was founded in 1993 in Helsinki by Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen, Max Lilja, and Antero Manninen, all classically trained cellists at the Sibelius Academy.
'Inquisition Symphony' was released in 1998, marking Apocalyptica’s debut vinyl album that combined Metallica covers and original cello metal compositions.
In 2005, Apocalyptica supported Rammstein on the Reise, Reise tour, showcasing their unique cello metal live performance to large audiences.
Apocalyptica expanded cello techniques with amplification and effects like distortion, creating a powerful metal sound uniquely filtered through classical instruments.
Official store
T-shirts, posters, accessories and limited editions.
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
Apocalyptica was founded in 1993 in Helsinki by four cellists from the Sibelius Academy: Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen, Max Lilja, and Antero Manninen.
Apocalyptica's music fuses symphonic metal, classical instrumental, and black metal elements with cello-driven melodies and metal rhythms.
The album 'Inquisition Symphony' from 1998 features several Metallica covers reimagined for cello quartet.
Releases vary but commonly come as standard LPs; some editions are 180g pressed vinyl, especially reissues and deluxe versions.
Yes, France has access to vinyl editions including reissues like the 2016 'Inquisition Symphony' via Music On Vinyl, often praised by collectors.
'CELL-0' is an instrumental symphonic metal LP with nine tracks, released in 2020 on Silver Lining Music, noted for exploring cello effects and amplified sounds.
The band amplifies cellos and uses guitar effects such as distortion and pizzicato to blend classical technique with heavy metal aggression.
Helsinki is their origin city where the founding members met and studied, remaining central to the band’s identity and production.
Transparency
This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.
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