Apocalyptica and Epica in concert at the Zenith in Paris: we were there, we tell you

We had to wait more than two years before being able to attend the long awaited show of Apocalyptica and Epica. This Tuesday, February 7, 2023, the Finnish band and the Dutch formation found their Parisian public during an invigorating set on the stage of the Zenith of La Villette. Back on this evening honoring the symphonic metal.

Wheel, Apocalyptica and Epica: this is the triple bill that made the public of the Zenith of Paris move this Tuesday evening, February 7, 2023. A concert eagerly awaited by the spectators of the famous hall of the 19th district. And for good reason, this show was initially scheduled for December 2020. But, because of the health crisis, this evening of concerts dedicated to symphonic metal, and ensured by two great specialists in the field, had to be postponed several times.

After more than two years of waiting, the fans ofApocalyptica andEpica had the joy to see their idols on stage in Paris. For more than 4 consecutive hours, the audience was treated to a good dose of symphonic metal.

The evening started early. Which is not bad, considering the disruptions in the Parisian transport due to the strike. The Finns of Wheel are the first to take the stage of the Zenith. Playing prog-metal, Wheel does not lack energy, especially the bassist who will not stop twisting in all directions throughout the set. But the sauce has a little difficulty to go up. And the powerful and always very accurate voice of James Lascelles will do nothing. It's a pity, because the tracks played that night by Wheel are heady and dynamic, but it lacks that little bit more to transform this simple live moment into a real communion with the audience.

Then comes the turn ofApocalyptica. The Finnish symphonic metal band is finally the second to take the stage. Considered as one of the most famous Finnish quartet of the metal scene, Apocalyptica was back in Paris this Tuesday night, a little less than 6 years after their last appearance in the capital. At that time, the band celebrated the 20th anniversary of their famous album'Plays Metallica By Four Cellos'.

This winter, the Finns are here to defend their 9th studio album live. Entitled 'Cell-0', this record marks the return of a fully instrumental sound, giving back all their place to the cellos. For those who don't know, Apocalyptica is composed only of cellists and a drummer. Don't look for a regular singer for the Finns, there is none. However, the Nordic band does not hesitate to invite on its albums singers as charismatic as Corey Taylor from Slipknot, Till Lindemann from Rammstein or Cristina Scabbia from Lacuna Coil.

In live, Apocalyptica plays the instrumental card for the most part. And it is so much better. While Mikko Sirén strikes with force on his drum and percussion skins, Eicca Toppinen, Perttu Kivilaakso and Paavo Lötjönen embrace their cello with passion and passion. One is also happy to see a beautiful alchemy between each member of the group, after nearly 30 years of professional life together. Whether they are sitting for enchanting ballads or standing for more energetic pieces, the three cellists ofApocalyptica transmit their love for this instrument rather rare in the metal world. The energy is there, and the emotion too, like on the sumptuous " Farewell ".

As for the setlist, Apocalyptica honored the tracks from their last opus, including the powerful " Ashes Of The Modern World " as a starter, or " Rise ", more delicate and bewitching. But the band didn't just play their most recent songs. The audience was also treated to a few covers, so dear to the fans, such as " Nothing Else Matters " and " Seek & Destroy " by Metallica. Because, let's remember, the Finnish band became famous in 1996 thanks to the release of their first studio album,"Plays Metallica by Four Cellos", composed only of Metallica covers on cello. So when the American quartet's cello covers were played at the Zenith, the audience did not hesitate to sing the chorus. Singing was also in the spotlight duringApocalyptica 's Parisian set thanks to the presence of the talented Franky Perez. He also improvised himself as a drummer for a track and interpreted with strength and passion the hits " I'm Not Jesus ", " Not Strong Enough " or " I Don't Care ".

In the end, Apocalyptica succeeded, from the very first track, in taking us into their unique universe, thanks to their communicative energy and the bewitching sound of the cello married with intelligence and brilliance to the metal music.

Finally, it'sEpica 's turn to take the stage at around 9:30 pm. Also known for its symphonic metal, the Dutch band sent a lot of heavy stuff this Tuesday night at the Zenith. First of all, there was the imposing scenography with two huge snakes spitting smoke, projections of sometimes hypnotizing images, ultra sculpted microphone stands, without forgetting the pyrotechnic effects galore, used at times perhaps in an excessive way? Because yes, the flames lit up the stage of the Zenith of Paris on almost all the songs played that night. But the audience likes it, so why deprive themselves?

On stage, Epica does not lack energy. On the contrary. Galvanized by the fans, Coen Janssen with his mobile piano, and guitarist Isaac Delahaye don't stay in place and don't hesitate to call out to their fans to raise the temperature even more. Epica is also a unique vocal blend, with Mark Jansen 's mesmerizing grunt and mezzo-soprano Simone Simons' smooth yet powerful voice.