Live Review : Apocalyptica + The Raven Age @ Albert Hall, Manchester on September 29th 2024

Apocalyptica have spent over 25 years refusing to be typecast. Starting life as a classical style Metallica tribute act, their 1996 debut “Plays Metallica by Four Cellos” remains one of the most stunningly unique albums ever released. A further eight albums over a nearly 30-year career has seen them bring in a drummer and vocalist, write their own material and firmly break out of the mould of novelty cover act. All of which makes the decision to record a second Metallica cover album and tour it with a set list made up of exclusively Metallica covers both baffling and bold.

Gig ReviewAuthor : Stewart Lucas1 October 2024Albert HallApocalyptica, The Raven Age, Albert Hall, Manchester, 2024, Live Review, Prints, Stewart Lucas, Johann WierzbickiComment

Live Review : Apocalyptica + Epica + Wheel @ Academy, Manchester on February 3rd 2023

With two full headline sets to get through, it’s inevitable that tonight is going to be an early start but being pushed on stage at ten to seven feels particularly harsh on Wheel. The cavernous confines of the Academy are empty, and it only starts to fill up towards the end of their brief 25-minute set. All of this is a real shame as they are favs of us here at ROCKFLESH towers. Essentially if you like Tool you are going to like Wheel and if you don't like Tool, well then you best stay at the bar.

Gig ReviewAuthor : Stewart Lucas5 February 2023Manchester AcademyApocalyptica, Epica, Wheel, Academy, Manchester, 2023, Live Review, Stewart Lucas, Johann WierzbickiComment