Apocalyptica/Nita Strauss – The Orpheum, Los Angeles, Ca 3/25
By Jeffrey Easton
On a cool Los Angeles evening, the fervent anticipation in the air was palpable as heavy music fans gathered to witness an electrifying performance that promised to be a unique blend of classical finesse and heavy metal might. The night was set ablaze by the virtuoso Nita Strauss, followed by the celestial renditions of Metallica classics by none other than Apocalyptica.
Nita Strauss, the powerhouse guitarist renowned for her incendiary solos and riveting stage presence, opened the night with a set that left the audience awestruck. Her mastery over the guitar was evident as she seamlessly wove through intricate melodies and pulsating rhythms. Tracks like Our Most Desperate Hour and Mariana Trench reverberated through the venue, setting the tone for an evening that would only ascend in intensity. Strauss's performance was a testament to her prowess, as she effortlessly commanded the stage, engaging the crowd with her charismatic flair and technical brilliance. The night only heightened when vocalist Kasey Karlsen came out to close out the set with the absolute stand outs Digital Bullets, Dead Inside and set closer The Wolf You Feed. The ferocity of Nina paired with Kasey melted the stage as they exited to enormous cheers.
As the lights dimmed, the thunderous applause that greeted Apocalyptica as they took the stage took over The Orpheum. The Finnish cello metal band, known for their innovative fusion of classical music and heavy metal, embarked on their Apocalyptica Plays Metallica Tour with an ardor that was both fierce and elegant. From the haunting strains of Nothing Else Matters to the aggressive fervor of Master of Puppets, Apocalyptica's renditions were nothing short of mesmerizing. The cellos, wielded with both precision and passion, transformed Metallica's iconic riffs into a symphonic experience that resonated deeply with the audience. Each note was imbued with a profound emotional depth, as the band members banged the head that doesn’t bang in unison, their bows dancing across the strings with a fervent intensity. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly their performance of "Enter Sandman," where the audience joined in a collective chorus, their voices melding with the rich, sonorous tones of the cellos. The intricate arrangements and flawless execution of each track bore witness to Apocalyptica's dedication to their craft, as they breathed new life into these well-loved anthems.
The concert was a masterful showcase of musical artistry, where the boundaries between genres were not just blurred but beautifully intertwined. Nita Strauss and Apocalyptica delivered performances that were both technically astounding and emotionally stirring. If you were not in attendance anywhere on this tour, you missed out.
For more information on these incredible artists, you can visit their official websites. Explore Nita Strauss's latest projects, tour dates, and more at HERE, and dive into Apocalyptica's world of symphonic metal at HERE.
