2015, There aren't many rock bands on this planet that wouldn't like to be regarded as unique. Of course, in these times of nostalgia and endlessly recycled ideas, very few actually deserve that description. Finland's Apocalyptica deserve it more than most. Utterly original in every respect, these classically-trained merchants of genre-shattering metal, sound quite unlike anything or anyone else in musical history. Formed in the early ´90s Apocalyptica chose an entirely individual path from day one. These young virtuosos joined a cello band that specialized in playing music by everyone from Johann Sebastian Bach to Jimi Hendrix. SHADOWMAKER is a harmonically-rich combination of passionate cello works, with insane drum playing that builds up tension as well as the eerie atmosphere with the chords. Cello heavy metal distorted riffs are heavier than ever. It is fierce, brutal and innovative. The quartet changes direction and it works very well. Franky Perez provides vocals, the balance works.