Apocalyptica stormed The Fillmore Detroit on their Plays Metallica Vol. 2 Tour, delivering a symphonic metal performance with special guest, the guitar virtuoso Nita Strauss.
Starting the night with a jaw-dropping performance was guitar powerhouse Nita Strauss, proving once again why she’s one of the most dynamic shredders in modern rock. From the moment she stepped onto the stage, guitar in hand and a fire in her eyes, the energy in the venue was electric.
Opening with the high-octane “Momentum,” Strauss wasted no time showcasing her technical brilliance. Her lightning-fast fretwork, combined with a commanding stage presence, had the audience locked in from the start. Backed by a tight, hard-hitting band, she powered through an explosive setlist that heavily showcased her latest killer album, The Call of the Void. The crowd roared in approval as she transitioned into “Our Most Desperate Hour” and “Scorched,” her fingers flying across the fretboard with effortless precision.
Strauss’ formidable band brought unstoppable energy to the stage. Johnny D Young’s crushing riffs and Katt Scarlett’s haunting keys added depth and intensity, making every song hit with maximum impact. Strauss’ husband and drummer Josh Villalta’s thunderous beats were on full display during his solo in “The Quest.” A highlight of the night was “Victorious,” featuring live vocals, from special guest Kasey Karlsen of Deadlands, that captured the song’s anthemic intensity. Whether delivering the haunting melodies of “Dead Inside” or the relentless riffs of “Mariana Trench,” Strauss infused each note with pure feeling. Karlsen was a wonderful vocal addition to the second half of the set. The night reached its peak with a fiery encore of “The Wolf You Feed,” featuring Karlsen and David Gunn of King 810 on vocals.
Nita Strauss is more than just a phenomenal guitarist—she’s a force of nature, blending technical mastery with unrelenting passion. Her live performance was an unforgettable display of skill, energy, and emotion, proving that she’s not just keeping rock alive—she’s redefining it.
The Finnish cello metal titans Apocalyptica brought their one-of-a-kind blend of symphonic intensity to the stage with Plays Metallica Vol. 2, a thrilling continuation of their iconic tribute to the thrash legends. From the moment “The Ecstasy of Gold” echoed through the venue, and the thunderous opening of “Ride the Lightning” rang out, the audience was enraptured. The trio of cellists—Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen, and Perttu Kivilaakso—immediately set the tone for the night, delivering electrifying energy while maintaining the deep, resonant power of their instruments. Their interpretation of Metallica’s iconic riffs felt both fresh and faithful to the originals, seamlessly merging classical finesse with metal aggression. Adding to the intensity, drummer Mikko Kaakkuriniemi provided a rhythmic force that gave the arrangements a full-band weight.The setlist was a dream for Metallica fans, featuring reimagined classics like “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “St. Anger,” and “Master of Puppets.” The band’s interpretation of “Enter Sandman” was particularly stunning, capturing the song’s intricate riffs and relentless energy while adding layers of orchestral depth; made complete with the crowd providing vocals. The haunting rendition of “Nothing Else Matters” added an emotional weight that resonated deeply with the crowd. Apocalyptica perfectly honored Metallica’s spirit while making each song their own. Their virtuosic playing, combined with dramatic strobing lighting and an immersive atmosphere that felt like you were in the middle of a thunderstorm, created a performance that was both powerful and immersive. By the final notes of “Seek & Destroy,” the crowd was left in awe and elation, fueled even more by the encore performance of “One” which left the venue quaking with aftershocks.
Plays Metallica Vol. 2 is not just a tribute—it’s a reinvention, a celebration of metal’s adaptability, and a must-see experience for fans of both classical and heavy music.
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