1. Top 10 Apocalyptica Songs Katherine Bryant Image by: wikipedia.org http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apocalyptica

2. About the Band Apocalyptica is a symphonic metal band from Helsinki, Finland The band started in 1993, and currently has 8 albums, including one released this year (2015) called Shadowmaker The current members of the band are Eicca Toppinen, Mikko Sirén, Paavo Lötjönen, and Perttu Kivilaakso

3. #10—Enter Sandman Apocalyptica’s cover of the 1991 Metallica song, Enter Sandman, was one of the first songs that got the band noticed. Many of the band’s earlier released were Metallica covers. The complexity of this song shows how talented the musicians in Apocalyptica are. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwR- _gu77uU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwR- _gu77uU

4. #9—Beautiful The song Beautiful is off the band’s 7 th album called 7 th Symphony. This song contrasts the last by showcasing another side of their music. This demonstrates the talent of the band in a different light, rather than fast, intricate recreations, the more creative, emotional take. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSwFxMLQltE Image by: rock945.com http://rock945.com/irock-apocalyptica/

5. #8—Sacra Sacra is also off of 7 th Symphony. I personally find that this is one of their most beautiful songs. All of the different parts and harmonies sound so gorgeous together. You can hear the tension in the strings, and the base is haunting, like a heartbeat. Image by: wikipedia.org http://en.wikipedia.o rg/wiki/7th_Symphon y_(album) https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=teGoa2 kgGrM

6. #7—One One is another Metallica cover, originally released in 1989. There is a lot of emotion present in the original song, and I believe that Apocalyptica were able to capture that essence rather well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei0XI kSK86Q (Pay attention at 2:05 if you listen. I find this part particularly beautiful) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei0XI kSK86Q

7. #6—The Unforgiven Another Metallica cover; the power ballad, The Unforgiven, was originally released in 1991, from the same album as Enter Sandman, Metallica (or sometimes referred to as The Black Album). The original song is a very iconic song, for Metallica and for the 1990s, but I believe Apocalyptica recreated it very well. https://www.youtube.com/watc h?v=weStzJV8ZTo Image by: maytherockbewithyou.com http://maytherockbewithyou.com/mtrbwy/2012/08/eic ca-toppinen-of-apocalyptica/

8. #5—Life Burns Life Burns is also off of Apocalyptica’s self-titled album. This is one of my favourite Apocalyptica songs because it features the singer of one of my favourite bands on guest vocals, Lauri Ylönen from The Rasmus. I also just love the high-energy feel of the song; it’s very energetic. Image by: fanpop.com http://www.fanpop.com/ clubs/lauri- ylonen/images/2387995 4/title/lauri-ylonen- photo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GDx KddP39Q

9. #4—Nothing Else Matters This is the last Metallica cover in the list, and it is called Nothing Else Matters. The original song is considered legendary for its time by many, and was a huge hit for both bands. This is personally my favourite Metallica cover, by the band and in general. The song is so beautiful already, and Apocalyptica always makes sure that beauty is recognized. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X- B8k0n_3cs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X- B8k0n_3cs

10. #3—Deathzone Deathzone features as a hidden track on the band’s 2005 self-titled album, Apocalyptica. I would argue that this is one of the most beautiful song I’ve heard in my life so far. The unresolved tension in the harmonies is bone-chilling. Anything I could say about this song would not be giving it enough justice. I would suggest you listen to it to gain the full experience. Image by: wikipedia.org http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apocalyptica_(album) https://www.youtube.com/wat ch?v=rQhOk2N1h3E

11. #1 and 2—Bittersweet and I Don’t Care Bittersweet is an absolutely haunting song. Again, featuring Lauri Ylönen, but this time, also with Ville Valo, lead vocalists for the metal band, H.I.M. The contrast between Valo’s and Ylönen’s voices is incredible. I Don’t Care is one of Apocalyptica’s biggest successes so far. With Adam Gontier, ex-lead singer for Three Days Grace, on vocals, everything about the song is absolutely magical. Image by: unknown source https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxD cWvZCSRg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v =JAdDkFx0_6o Image by: buzznet.com http://saeve.buzznet.com/photos/apocalyptica/?id=2 0853361 *I cannot decide between these two songs so I put them together.