Apocalyptica – “7th Symphony”

It would be easy to think Apocalyptica blew its creative ammo for new album 7th Symphony during introductory track “At the Gates of Manala.” The sprawling, propulsive affair is epic enough to stand on its own, but the Fins back it up with nine more equally enjoyable songs.

The quartet alternates between tasty, radio-friendly rock (“Not Strong Enough”) and meaty string jams (“Sacra,” “Rage of Poseidon”), pairing with surprisingly complementary guests along the way. Gavin Rossdale guests on the single “End of Me,” but “Broken Pieces” with Lacey Mosley better represents the record’s mournful-yet-catchy style.

The strings of “Beautiful” are so lush and full of gothic romance you’d never guess the band performed it naked for a lark. (True story). And “On the Rooftop With Quasimodo” is a journey song that’s as darkly handsome and unique as its title suggests.  [ END ]

Track listing:

01. At the Gates of Manala
02. End of Me (featuring Gavin Rossdale of Bush)
03. Not Strong Enough (featuring Brent Smith of Shinedown)
04. 2010 (featuring Dave Lombardo of Slayer)
05. Beautiful
06. Broken Pieces (featuring Lacey Mosley of Flyleaf)
07. On the Rooftop With Quasimodo
08. Bring Them to Light (featuring Joseph Duplantier of Gojira)
09. Sacra
10. Rage of Poseidon

Run Time: 45:49
Release Date: 08.24.2010