Apocalyptica brought cellos back to the Main Stage

Long hair and fists swinging in the air. Frank Perez on the stage. This was Apocalyptica's gig on the Main Stage.

It has been three years since Apocalyptica’s last performance in Ilosaarirock but the men don´t seem to have changed at all. As before, Metallica’s music is part of the show and fists are swinging in the air.

Apocalyptica. Photo: Mika Lehtola

Even though Apocalyptica is widely known around the world, the audience is surprisingly small. In the beginning of the show the crowds are slowly gathering to see the performance and there is still enough space in the front for the willing. The audience is varied – one of the greatest things about festivals is that people can dress anyway they like and go watch anyone they like without being judged by their choice of style.

The cellos look natural in the arms of these heavy metal players. Their melancholic and rich sound can almost be felt all the way in one’s soul.

Apocalyptica. Photo: Mika Lehtola

Frank Perez also gets on the stage and offers his interpretation on a couple of songs, for example, I’m not Jesus and Sea Song. Some people even start waltzing in the audience at this point.

– Do you want heavy?

Eicca Toppinen asks a familiar question. The audience of course answers yes. And heavy metal is delivered as promised.

Apocalyptica. Photo: Mika Lehtola

Apocalyptica’s performance is strong and their music offers a great getaway from the chilly night. As before, there is no answer to the question of how the hair of these moshing, long-haired men doesn’t get stuck in the cello strings. This shall remain a mystery.

Text: Johanna Mikkola
Translation: Suvi Keturi
Photos: Mika Lehtola