Apocalyptica - Path Apocalyptica is a Finnish cello metal band, composed of classically trained cellists and, since 2005, a drummer. Three of the cellists are graduates of the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland. Their music features elements from classical music, neo-classical metal,[1] thrash metal, and symphonic metal.  History Apocalyptica was formed in 1993 when four cellists, Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen, Max Lilja, and Antero Manninen gathered to play Metallica covers at Sibelius-Academy.They performed 1995 in an after-Christmas party as a "Jailhouse Band" at the Teatro Heavy Metal Club.That evening the line-up was Toppinen,Lilja,Manninen and Perttu Kivilaakso- who was about to join the band permanently later,at 1999. Among the audience was Kari Hynninen, who worked for the independent label Zen Garden Records. After listening to Apocalyptica’s set, Kari Hynninen signed them on the spot to Zen Garden Records. In 1996, Apocalyptica released their debut studio album, Plays Metallica by Four Cellos, which consisted solely of Metallica covers played on cellos. In 1998, Apocalyptica released their second studio album, Inquisition Symphony, which was produced by Hiili Hiilesmaa. Inquisition Symphony once again contained covers of Metallica, but also contained covers of Faith No More, Sepultura, and Pantera. For this album the band also decided to include three original songs written by Eicca Toppinen. Perttu Kivilaakso live 2005In 1999, Antero Manninen left the group, and was replaced by Perttu Kivilaakso. In 2000, Apocalyptica released their third studio album, Cult, which now featured 10 original songs, and only 3 covers. And it was after the recording of Cult that an Apocalyptica track was first seen featuring vocals, Path Vol. 2. In 2002, Max Lilja left the group and joined Hevein, leaving Apocalyptica with only three members. In 2003, Apocalyptica released their fourth studio album, Reflections, which consisted for the first time of all or...