It is the purity of the cellos convinced on the early works.

For the first time really noisy on Apocalyptica I became, when they performed at Raab's first 'Federal Vision Song Contest' together with The Happy-Fronterin Marta. Shortly after I bought the self-titled album, which was, however, inspire me only briefly and only because of the sensation factor. The actual masterpieces of Finns are in "Cult" and just "Inquisition Symphony".

Why? Well, firstly, there is no annoying drums that pushes the cellos in the background and on the other hand play Apocalyptica not yet here the mainstream heavy rock music as the later albums. They have created here with the purity of the cellos a new style, the music is usually not very rocky, as in "Reflections" and "Apocalyptica", but the pieces have all a brilliant atmosphere. The polyphony of the same instruments in a song just comes here at the cellos beautifully expressed.

3 self-composed pieces have pressed then the Finns. In my opinion, are still a little immature, but very well done. Especially the cover versions are the great thing here. Were the Eternal Metallica Cover from previous sometime annoying, then Apocalyptica have focused here on pieces of Sepultura and Faith No More, and on "Inquisition Symphony" the Metallica cover are also very well done. It starts with the thrashy "For Whom The Bell Tolls" and ends at the extremely melodic "One" or "Fade To Black" and the ballad "Nothing Else Matters". On the latter is simply right everything, from singing up to the guitar solo is all perfectly executed. The tough, yet oppressive atmosphere at "One" is in no way lost and sad mood in "Fade To Black" is retained as well. "Refuse / Resist" has become a bit too hard in my opinion, but well implemented on otherwise.

It is fair to say that the album has just become very versatile with the various original composers. The classical atmosphere is maintained throughout the album, and there are no annoying chants still a disturbing drums. Here are top 100% cello.

Ich finds a shame that Apocalyptica have given up their style to make quite normal rock music. It would be really great if this exception Finns would return to the state of "Cult" or "Inquisition Symphony" and their covers sometimes modern bands like Amon Amarth, Children Of Bodom, Soilwork or similar tackle and let go of the old classics would. After two great albums they just have to show what they really can. In "Reflections" and "Apocalyptica" their full potential is far from exhausted.