Apocalyptica, Apocalyptica, LP

Vinyl LP pressing. Since they formed in 1993, Finnish orchestral rock band Apocalyptica has released eight studio albums featuring numerous cello-based instrumentals along with some vocal-based songs. Whatever styles they've explored - from atmospheric interludes to fast, battering rhythms - their music has been gripping, dynamic and full of melody. When Apocalyptica returned to the studio in 2003 to record their fourth album Reflections, they had a new direction and drive. They enjoyed the vocal tracks on 2000's Cult so much they asked pop star Nina Hagen to sing on a cover of Rammstein's "Seeman" and Swedish celebrity Linda Sundblad to add vocals to "Faraway, Vol 2." The follow up, 2005's eponymous Apocalyptica was an even more star-studded affair. "Betrayal/Forgiveness" features guest playing by Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo, while "Bittersweet" includes vocal tracks by HIM's Ville Valo and The Rasmus'Lauri Ylönen, who also sings on album opener "Life Burns!"