Live Review: Apocalyptica @ Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta - May 8nd, 2026

2 days ago
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Cellists perform energetically on stage, intense expression, blue-lit background, "BUCKHEAD THEATRE" visible, lively concert atmosphere. — Apocalyptica photo by Anna Daugherty

What happens when you combine three classically-trained cellists with some of Metallica's greatest hits? You get an electric night of symphonic metal at Buckhead Theatre, courtesy of the high-energy Finnish band Apocalyptica.

Celebrating their 10th studio album, Plays Metallica, Vol. 2, the band immediately steered the night into heavy territory, opening with a dramatic intro that bled into a thunderous rendition of "Ride The Lightning." They took a moment early on to explain that the night was a dedicated celebration of Metallica’s legacy, a fitting transition into the familiar, haunting opening of "Enter Sandman."

Musicians on stage play cellos energetically under colorful spotlights. A drummer is in the background with the letter "A" on the drum. — Apocalyptica photo by Anna Daugherty

The energy in the room never loosened its grip, characterized by the synchronized headbanging of Eicca Toppinen and Perttu Kivilaakso. While the performance was primarily instrumental, the crowd provided the vocals, singing every word while the cellos acted as the "voice" of the band. The members frequently paced the stage with their instruments, leaning over the edge to connect with fans in the front row. It was a masterclass in stage presence and challenged every conceived notion about what's possible with cellos.

Reflecting on their 30-year history, the band shared their desire to bring a fresh perspective to these legendary tracks. A standout moment arrived with "The Call of Ktulu," which featured the original bass master track recorded by the late Cliff Burton. The performance began with a slow, beautiful intro that showcased their technical precision before escalating into the full-throttle metal they are known for. The mix in Buckhead Theatre was clean and punchy, allowing the intricate layers of the cellos to cut through the heavy percussion.

Musicians with cellos perform energetically on stage, with a drummer in the background. Dim lighting, vibrant mood, black and orange attire. — Apocalyptica photo by Anna Daugherty

As the set moved toward its conclusion, the band slowed the tempo for "Nothing Else Matters." The audience became the loudest it had been all night, singing the title line in a moment that felt like a genuine connection between everyone in the room. They quickly brought the energy back up to an all-time high with "Seek & Destroy," playing their cellos in the air and leaving nothing on the table. Despite the lack of traditional guitars, the performance carried a technical prowess and confident edge that rivaled any standard metal show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rg80u-TMNeE

Apocalyptica ft. James Hetfield & Rob Trujillo - One (Official Video)

After a brief departure, the band returned for a dramatic encore of "One," featuring a chilling spoken-word voiceover by James Hetfield. Not wanting to leave the stage, they took multiple bows, handed out setlists, and promised to be back to play an entirely new show. It was a night that highlighted the bittersweet beauty of Metallica’s music through a unique lens, proving that after three decades, Apocalyptica still knows how to make a classic feel entirely new. The band is also about to embark on their joint tour with The HU, so be sure to catch their next show.