LIVE FROM THE PIT: Apocalyptica and The Raven Age

Finland has given the world many things; The Moomins, Nokia, Angry Birds and of course the kings of symphonic metal Apocalyptica. Since their beginning in 1993 the band have brought together the grace and complexity of classical music with some of the era's more memorable metal riffs, a combination which has resulted in them becoming legends of their genre with each release more bold and unique as the last in an attempt to continue to push the boundaries of music. Twenty Eight years since their initial release of ‘Apocalyptica Plays Metallica’ they find themselves on the road again touring alongside UK groove metal band The Raven Age on their aptly named ‘Apocalyptica Plays Metallica Vol Two’ tour to promote their latest album of the same name. 

The stream of fluorescent red lights flooded the venue as the evening began with London's own The Raven Age taking to the stage. The crowd eager and already full of anticipation for the show ahead greeted them with a warm applause as the bass traveled through the wide and open walls of the venue, the ideal space for the five piece to showcase their talents and catchy catalog of tracks and for Matt James to show off his impressive vocal range; fan or not you soon found yourself head banging along and being caught up in the infectious energy each member showed the entire time they were on stage. As their set continued the crowd only became more enthralled by the performance and answering their call to get involved and bring the energy.

After a brief interval it was time for the main event, hidden behind a white curtain Apocalyptica made their entrance in style to an uproar of applause and cheering opening with one of what would be many of Metallica's iconic tracks Ride the Lightning which immediately commands the crowd's attention. After their grand entrance they seamlessly transitioned into Enter Sandman and the trio began to encourage the crowd to sing along and be their voices as the entire setlist was instrumental this brought a unique experience unlike any other concert bringing the fans and the band together as one to deliver a memorable show for everyone involved. 

As they reached the midway point of the set the band took a moment to explain why they had decided to make their latest album after so many years citing that they wanted to wait until it felt right for them. After a moment of rest they started the second half of their set with The Call of Kthulu and a touching and sensational tribute to the late, great Cliff Burton which left the feeling amongst the crowd somber and emotional as the cellos gave a whole new lease of life and meaning to the track.

After their touching and respectful tribute they brought back the energy, louder, faster and harder than before with back to back hits including of course arguably Metallicas most well known hit Master of Puppets which had the whole crowd in an excited frenzy as they effortlessly blended the metal icon with their classical talents. After a show stopping display they brought the evening to a close with One a poignant track to end this trip down Metallica's history and perfectly wind down the crowd as they left. It’s safe to say Apocalyptica are masters of their craft honing their talents into something truly one of a kind and after spending an evening in their company it truly felt like a gift that kept on giving and that you never wanted to end. 

Words: Arcadia Craven

Photos: Kieran Atkinson