Search - Apocalyptica :: Cult (Spec)

Surprisingly, very Metallica

Flunk | Longmont, CO United States | 12/04/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Like everyone else, I was thrilled about hearing an all-original Apocalyptica album. Breaking away from doing Metallica covers was definitely a necessary step.Unfortunately, the great irony of this album is that much of it sounds like late-period, ho-hum Metallica. Rather than building on the classically-minded complexity and nuance of earlier originals like Harmageddon, the songs on Cult seem to be written for a standard rock line-up: it's easy to pick out what would be the vocal line, the rhythm guitar, etc.Structurally, the songs are also lacking. Given the simplicity of their compositions on Cult (and the decidedly "metal" production, rendering the fact that they play cellos almost pointless), I can't fight back the sensation that this is pop/rock mediocrity: verse/chorus/verse, a few hard songs separated by the obligatory ballads, and so forth.The addition of percussion is a mixed blessing. It does add another layer to their sound, but at the same time, it allows them an easy escape route. I direct the listener to Unforgiven, from their first album, which contains a brilliantly articulated "drum fill" played on the cello. Very simple, very effective (equally effective in the original Metallica recording), and without the obvious use of actual drums. It would have been interesting to see how Cult could be re-interpreted without the use of actual percussion, instead incorporating those textures into the cellos.So why three stars? Because I'm being hard on them. Really, this is a fine album. I would give Cult two stars and call it "pretty good", were it not for some astounding pieces. In Memoriam, Hyperventilation, Kaamos, and Coma are among the finest Apocalyptica pieces, and easily raise the listening value of the album. And their rendition of Hall of the Mountain King is stellar (the two Metallica covers are embarassingly lifeless).For the most part, with Cult, we see Apocalyptica becoming a heavy metal band with some solid classical sensibilities. Oh, and by the way, they play on four cellos (though at times you wouldn't know it, the distortion makes them out to be guitars). Now, with Reflections, they seem to have all but abandoned subtlety and nuance. My hope is that they will return to top form in a few years, as bands of genuine talent tend to do."

Need more stars!

Flunk | 07/30/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Someone else commented "buy two - just in case" and completely agree. In fact, I did. I try to get people interested in these wacky cellist and loan it out often - but I NEVER want to risk being with out it, so I have a second copy. Totally worth the price of an import. I'm not a big fan of heavy metal. The music of Apocalyptica is heavy, yes - in the form of being intense music that you cannot take lightly. Passion. It's all about passion for life and those around you. The music flows through you, lifts you up, carries you down, and brings you back better than before. Serious music by incredible musicians. Check it out - you won't regret it!"

Astonishing

wh0dini | Astromeritis, Nicosia Cyprus | 10/08/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I happen to own all 3 Apocalyptica albums, and this is their finest yet. They finaly decided to make the huge step, write their own music instead of playing some metallica songs like in metallica by four cellos(awesome album too,dont get me wrong). Now maybe the time has come for metallica to play apocalyptica songs?
To cut a long story short, dont just buy the normal edition, get the special edition,it deserves every nicle of its price"