Review by Josh Felty
Rating: *****
Songs of Note: Broken Pieces, Sacra, Not Strong Enough
I've heard--and frankly, marveled at--Apocalyptica's catalog of Metallica covers. What a great way to start out, cellos and all...but within that unique nod to their orchestral influences, these guys know how to rock to the ultimate. Their seventh album, aptly titled 7th Symphony is an amalgam of instrumental and vocalized works, including some impeccable collaborations with some incredible vocalists. Listening to "End of Me" took me back to 1994, as the track features the lead vocals of Bush's Gavin Rossdale. Where's this guy been the last sixteen years? I guess if one woke up to Gwen Stefani every morning, you wouldn't need a career. His inclusion on an Apocalyptica record gives him a whole new street cred; perhaps one he never fully had. The next song, "Not Strong Enough", features the lead prowess of Shinedown's Brent Smith. If that weren't enough, we're treated with the exquisite hooks of Lacey Mosley of Flyleaf on "Broken Pieces". Lacey really knows how to evoke mystery and innocence with her melodic artistry--it would be excellent to see all these cats in concert. That said, all the instrumentals ("2010" featuring Slayer's Dave Lombardo and "Sacra" especially) highlight heavier notions versus lighter, more subdued tapestries of sound respectively.
It's incredible to see Apocalyptica transcend from being a quartet Metallica cover band (sorry all Metallica cover bands out there) toward a true work of art such as 7th Symphony. There's few instruments more beautiful and soothing than the cello, even when Lombardo's wailing (or should I say slaying?) the skins. Listen to this album, if it's the last thing you do before the apocalypse comes.