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Standing on it's own ground...

Scott Burdett | Snackland, Arizona Bay | 04/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Many, many bands today have fallen hopelessly into the downward spiral of copying and reproducing a haunting or atmospheric sound via the usage of orchestrated traditional horns or strings, lengthy piano interludes, or elements of opera to give their music a greater sense of grandoise or an "epic" quality, which is fine; however it is often abused --pathetically-- to simply invoke a "sad" sound. Regardless, there is a seemingly endless barrage of -ia or -ica suffixed groups who strive to impress through the use of classical european instrumentation to merely enhance a sound; all the while having little or no true knowledge of the scales, arrangements, or history of classical music. These types of bands can --and sometimes do-- arrange nice songs; but nomatter how beautiful or well composed the music, a group of little or no traditional training in classical music styles has all right, but no merit in classical orchestration. To conclude, no matter how beautiful the piece composed, a group with no knowledge of the style they immmitate simply is nothing more than "classically-influenced".



...Apocalyptica are of a different breed. They are a group of four REAL chelloists, and graduates of Sibelius (music) Academy in Finland. Of course, graduation from any university does not come with a guarantee that one can play music from the heart --but this is what sets Apocalyptica apart from all else. They play their instruments with such a fire, such a passion, that when given full attention, without distraction or obstruction, the sounds create a feeling of wholeness and completion. It is utterly astounding; it is a fantanstic experience.



While I cannot say all other bands who play a variation on classical are untalented or unoriginal, I can say this: Apocalyptica play such a sobering, true, honest brand of neo-classical music that, it makes other groups of similar technique look truly childish by comparison."

A Tip for You

Alan Karna | SC | 04/09/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is being written on April 8, 2005. And, at least today, it would seem more economical for you to buy the original CD ($22.99) and then buy the How Far single ($9.49) for a total of $32.48. You won't get the "Apocalyptica Player Software" but you'll get all the songs on this album, for much less than the $50.99 listed for this album. I'm sure the software is crap, though, just like all other player software other bands have put out."