ALBUM REVIEW: Cell-0 – Apocalyptica

One of the more unique bands to step into the rock and metal world, APOCALYPTICA have returned to the fray with the release of their new record Cell-0. It is the band’s ninth full length studio record, spanning a career of near three decades, and comes five years since their previous album Shadowmaker was released.

Kicking things off for the Finnish quartet is Ashes Of The Modern World. The build up is gradual, intertwining all the elements of the band together and being quite gentle for the opening minute or so. It isn’t until you reach the halfway point that things really pick up at quite a considerable rate. The percussion and cellos all of a sudden pick up the pace and some of the riffs really echo some of the heavier metal songs that you can come across.

The title track follows next, and is also the longest on the record at a play time just shy of ten minutes. Much like the opener, the build up is slow and builds up the anticipation as you wait for the inevitable speed changes. The pace does change throughout which really keeps you on your toes, and leaves you wanting more with each note.

It is hard to try and pick out songs that stand out because they sound completely different due to the fact that there are a lot of similarities between each song, mainly down to the nature of APOCALYPTICA and their music. However one that really captures your attention is Fire & Ice. In this particular track there is certainly more prominence of the keyboard element to their sound which doesn’t have as much of a front row seat compared to the cellos, with the intro blending the keyboards with panpipes to really add to that mystical aura. Everything builds up around them over time and soon enough you are back to having that amazing heavy metal sound to carry the song through.

It is almost impossible to pick other stand out tracks on Cello-0 purely due to the sheer quality of each track. Each one is a very enjoyable listening experience for even the most die hard heavy metal enthusiast, and from start to finish everything has been structured and put together perfectly. Some of the tracks are shorter than others, for example Call My Name and Catharsis, but even though that might be the case they still showcase just how talented APOCALYPTICA are, and every single track that features in this record is proof of that.

What makes APOCALYPTICA so appealing and unique is the way they have transformed conventional classical music and instruments and put their own spin on it and create their own form of symphonic metal. As well as having no vocals, all of your attention and focus is on the instruments and skill within their repertoire and it makes for a terrific listen. Cell-0 is one album that will definitely start off 2020 in the right way, and is a fantastic showcase for APOCALYPTICA.

Rating: 9/10

Cell-0 is out now via Silver Lining Music.

Like APOCALYPTICA on Facebook.