Unfortunately, the great irony of this album is that much of it sounds like late-period, ho-hum Metallica. Rather than building on the classically-minded complexity and nuance of earlier originals like Harmageddon, the songs on Cult seem to be written for a standard rock line-up: it's easy to pick out what would be the vocal line, the rhythm guitar, etc.

Structurally, the songs are also lacking. Given the simplicity of their compositions on Cult (and the decidedly "metal" production, rendering the fact that they play cellos almost pointless), I can't fight back the sensation that this is pop/rock mediocrity: verse/chorus/verse, a few hard songs separated by the obligatory ballads, and so forth.

The addition of percussion is a mixed blessing. It does add another layer to their sound, but at the same time, it allows them an easy escape route. I direct the listener to Unforgiven, from their first album, which contains a brilliantly articulated "drum fill" played on the cello. Very simple, very effective (equally effective in the original Metallica recording), and without the obvious use of actual drums. It would have been interesting to see how Cult could be re-interpreted without the use of actual percussion, instead incorporating those textures into the cellos.

So why three stars? Because I'm being hard on them. Really, this is a fine album. I would give Cult two stars and call it "pretty good", were it not for some astounding pieces. In Memoriam, Hyperventilation, Kaamos, and Coma are among the finest Apocalyptica pieces, and easily raise the listening value of the album. And their rendition of Hall of the Mountain King is stellar (the two Metallica covers are embarassingly lifeless).

For the most part, with Cult, we see Apocalyptica becoming a heavy metal band with some solid classical sensibilities. Oh, and by the way, they play on four cellos (though at times you wouldn't know it, the distortion makes them out to be guitars). Now, with Reflections, they seem to have all but abandoned subtlety and nuance. My hope is that they will return to top form in a few years, as bands of genuine talent tend to do.


Need more stars!   July 30, 2002
5 out of 6 found this review helpful

Someone else commented "buy two - just in case" and completely agree. In fact, I did. I try to get people interested in these wacky cellist and loan it out often - but I NEVER want to risk being with out it, so I have a second copy. Totally worth the price of an import. I'm not a big fan of heavy metal. The music of Apocalyptica is heavy, yes - in the form of being intense music that you cannot take lightly. Passion. It's all about passion for life and those around you. The music flows through you, lifts you up, carries you down, and brings you back better than before. Serious music by incredible musicians. Check it out - you won't regret it!


Amazing!   August 8, 2001
5 out of 6 found this review helpful

This cd is a must have for anyone who likes classical music, rock music, or maybe even if you want something a little different. I would give this cd 10+ stars if I could. I play the cello and I never thought that a cello could even create music like this!!! It has both the elements of heavy music along with the elements of classical. It is simply amazing! And one of the best things about this cd, unlike their others, which are also great, is that the majority of these songs are original. I would definatley recommend this extrodinary cd to anyone who enjoys music.


Astonishing   October 8, 2002
4 out of 5 found this review helpful

I happen to own all 3 Apocalyptica albums, and this is their finest yet. They finaly decided to make the huge step, write their own music instead of playing some metallica songs like in metallica by four cellos(awesome album too,dont get me wrong). Now maybe the time has come for metallica to play apocalyptica songs?
To cut a long story short, dont just buy the normal edition, get the special edition,it deserves every nicle of its price


Awesome   August 27, 2005
ShamblingCat
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Path was the first Apocalyptica song I heard, and I was immediately hooked. Just the idea of metal with cellos is the kind of thing where you think, "Hmmmm. That's just crazy enough to work." And it does work magnificently. The combination of fast-paced, metal-inspired songs like Hyperventilation and slower, classically based songs like Coma works very well. This CD, like their previous ones, still isn't 100% original. This doesn't take away from the CD at all though, it is still an amazing disc.