Year: 2020
Total Time: 52:20
Label: Silver Lining Music
“Cell-0” is the ninth studio album of the Finnish band APOCALYPTICA and it was released on January 10, 2020. It is the first fully instrumental album since 2003’s “Reflections” and their first work since “Shadowmaker” from 2015 , the longest distance between two studio albums for the band.
After an extensive tour for the 20th anniversary of their debut, the band returns and releases new material, without any changes in their line-up, with Perez still considered a member and the aforementioned return to its purely instrumental roots for their new album. In their new release, they feature only cello, drums and occasionally some keys, there is also a wide variety of deep bass sounds to heavy rhythmic moments with the cellos giving it all, in terrific melodic moments.
The playing of the cellos is so dynamic sometimes, that it almost resembles a heavy, unobtrusive guitar riff. You do not need to put much effort in order to imagine that large parts of ‘”Ashes Of The New World”, “En Route To Mayhem” and “Beyond The Stars” are coming from the guitar. Heavy Metal is such an important part of the APOCALYPTICA’s inspiration and obviously, even in this utterly instrumental album, that is something that cannot be left out; simply, ‘”Cell-0″‘ sounds definitely more classic, almost gothic at times.
The first single and opening track of the album, “Ashes of the Modern World” manages to combine many of the elements that made us love APOCALYPTICA. On the other hand, the album as a whole is starting on a very classical basis, but also with some faster tracks, recognizable tunes and great song compositions, with an emphasis on epic melody.
“Cell-0” really has a lot to offer for a great variety in music tastes. There are moments of relaxation or on the other hand it is a very good companion to the more intense moments of our daily lives. A full-fledged release from the Finns, there is no chance to disappoint their fans, but, even if this is the first experience with the band for someone, they will be satisfied and wan to explore their past, asking for more.
Rating: 7,5/10|
Editor: Fanouris Exintavelonis
Related Link: APOCALYPTICA – Official Page
