Apocalyptica, and other unconventional metal

Cafe Society
1

I’ve had this band’s first disc, a collection of Metallica covers, for some time. Their deal is, they do instrumental pieces, using four cellos.

I just recently picked up their other two discs, “Inquisition Symphony” and “Cult,” and I must say, godDAMN I like it. Cult in particular I’ve been listening to over and over again–I hope in the future they do more tracks with the guest vocalist who lends her voice to the first track.

I’ve felt for quite awhile that metal in general needs to make more use of string instruments; and in general that it would be a genre that would experiment with sound more. My Dying Bride is a group that’s done some uneven experimental things with blending strings and pipes into the usual “couple of guitars, bass, and drums” sound, and I wish they’d do more of it. In its early albums, Paradise Lost had a couple tracks (the best ones, IMO) with too-brief appearances by soft and beautiful (quasi-Enyaish) vocals, which made for a remarkably appealing contrast with the underlying harshness of the music.

I’m wondering if there are other groups out there who are trying unconventional directions with metal these days, recommendations and so forth.

2

I love Apocalyptica. But then, I played the cello in high school. If I’d found them sooner, I might still play it. :smiley:

I hadn’t heard of “Cult.” I’ll have to go find it.

3

Not sure how many of these you have heard of - I’ll throw out a few bands I like that aren’t the standard metal style:

Opeth - atmosphereic death metal
Nightwish - power metal with a female opera singer who rocks!

I’m guessing you are familiar with these but if not check out Theatre of Tragedy Velvet Darkness They Fear or anything by Lacuna Coil.

4

Some very good recommendations there Opengrave. I suggest Blackwater Park from Opeth, although I get a sense that most Opeth purists think the album is too polished.

If you’re really up for some experimental music, along the lines of Opeth come Orphaned Land. Mp3 samples on the “misc” page.

Hailing from Isreal, and singing (mostly) in English, this band uses traditional rock instruments as well as traditional middle-eastern instruments. An interesting combo…

While I’m at it, Green Carnation are another band worth checking out. THeir second and latest album Light of Day, Day of Darkness, consists of one 60-minute song. You will hear a variety of instruments and vocals on this album.

5

Whoops, just a warning - that Orphaned Land link is going to feed you a pop-up or two…sorry.

6

“It`s called Lick My Love-Pump”

7

Thanks for the recommendations, I’ll definitely be checking them out. (OT, I fear no pop-ups, at least when I’m on my home pc–the latest release candidate build of Mozilla 1.0 is pretty durn nice.)

8

I’ll third the Opeth recommendation.

9

I’d highly recommend the following for experimental metal and post-metal:

Ulver: “Themes From William Blake’s ‘Marriage Of Heaven And Hell’”
Solefald: “Neonism”
Dodheimsgard: “666 International”
The 3rd & The Mortal: “In This Room”
Arcturus: “The Sham Mirrors”
Carnival In Coal: “French Cancan”
Chaostar: “Chaostar”
Virgin Black: “Sombre Romantic”
Devil Doll: “The Sacrilege Of Fatal Arms”
Fleurety: “Department Of Apocalyptic Affairs”
In The Woods…: “Strange In Stereo”

That should keep you busy for a little while :slight_smile:

10

Intravenous de Milo, by Spinal Tap

11

Theres a band called Cadaver that uses a stand up double bass (I think its like a big assed cello). They actually manage to pull it off. Look for the album with…
A cello rammed through someones eyesocket on the cover. :smiley:

(seriously thats the cover art)

12

I almost mentioned Ulver myself!