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Apocalyptica: 7th Symphony

Progressive Rock/Metal

4.0/5.0

Jive/Sony Music
www.myspace.com/apocalyptica
www.apocalyptica.com
Review: Craig Hartranft,  08.30.2010

For several albums now, Apocalyptica has been applying their craft to song compositions that integrate their consider cello talents, rather than putting them to the forefront. 7th Symphony is no different though, as usual, several pieces are all about the cellos. Apocalyptica also continues their recent tradition of having equal amounts of instrumental and vocal songs on the album.

Concerning the latter, on 7th Symphony reaches more for modern hard rock and heavy metal. Bring Them the Light, featuring Joe Duplantier of Gojira, is pure modern melodic metal with enough nods to the current trends of hardcore and death metal to be accessible to the youngsters. Thankfully, its tempered and made accessible by Apocalyptica's diverse composition. Against the whole, it seems abrasive and out of place. The rest are representative modern hard rock songs featuring Gavin Rossdale (Bush) on End of Me, Lacey Mosely (Flyleaf) on Broken Pieces, and Brent Smith (Shinedown) on Not Strong Enough. The latter is by far the best of the four vocal tracks, should appeal to fans of Nickelback, Hinder, et al, and so be released as a single.

As to the instrumentals, most are cello metal with At the Gates of Manala and Rage of Poseidon being epic tour-de-force arrangements. Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo adds his significant skills to the speedy thrash of 2010. Beautiful distills down to cello being both beautiful and sublime.

7th Symphony proves once again that Apocalyptica are masters at their craft: integrating their classic cello performance with modern hard rock and heavy metal. 7th Symphony is equally breathtaking, accessible, and relevant for the day. Recommended.

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7th Symphony proves once again that Apocalyptica are masters at their craft: integrating their classic cello performance with modern hard rock and heavy metal. 7th Symphony is equally breathtaking, accessible, and relevant for the day.

Alphabetical Index

eviewing my archives, I was pleased to find that I have had the privilege to review every Lionville since their self-titled debut in 2011. Formed by Stefano Lionetti, a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in ... [ Read More ]