"Apocalyptica" the British will warm up the concert in Riga "The Raven Age" – Independent Morning Newspaper

It has become clear that the Finnish symphonic metal cellist association “Apocalyptica” concert “Plays Metallica Vol. 2” in the “Palladium” concert hall on October 21, the British modern metal band “The Raven Age” will warm up.

The group “The Raven Age” was formed in 2009 in London and released four albums – “Darkness Will Rise” (2017), “Conspiracy” (2019), “Exile” (2021) and “Blood Omen” (2023) – gaining recognition already thanks to the first two. True, even without them, recognition would be guaranteed for them, because one of the founders of the group is George Harris, the son of Steve Harris, the bass player of the famous band “Iron Maiden”.

They have performed over 400 concerts in 38 countries, including major festivals such as Download Festival, Rock in Rio, Wacken, Hellfest, etc., sharing the stage with heavy music icons such as Gojira, Volbeat ”, “Mastodon”, “Opeth”, “Ghost”, “Killswitch Engage”, “Alter Bridge” and of course “Iron Maiden”.

It should be reminded that the group “Apocalyptica” will come to Riga this time with their tenth studio album “Plays Metallica Vol. 2” repertoire. It was released on June 7 this year and is the follow-up to the legendary 1996 album “Apocalyptica plays Metallica by four cellos”, which turned the Finnish cellists into global stars in a few weeks. With the new album, the band will return to their roots and continue their symphonic tribute to the legends of heavy music from Metallica.

“It’s incredible to know that after so many years our tribute to Metallica still resonates so strongly with listeners. Being able to share our love of Metallica’s music directly with an audience in live concerts is something magical and unique. This time, our show will provide a new, unprecedented experience, so we can’t wait for the moment when we will meet our fans and share our joy,” emphasizes the band’s leader Eika Topinens.

Metal Mayhem: Apocalyptica and The Raven Age Live in Riga

Hold on to your cellos, metalheads! The Finnish symphonic sensation, Apocalyptica, will be shredding their way into the Palladium concert hall on October 21, bringing along the British modern metal marauders The Raven Age as their supporting act. If you thought heavy metal couldn’t get any heavier, think again! We’re looking at a night where strings and screams unite in an unholy matrimony.

Now, who are these The Raven Age, you ask? Well, they flew in from London like a bunch of rock-loving crows back in 2009. In their brief time in the spotlight, they’ve churned out four albums: Darkness Will Rise (2017), Conspiracy (2019), Exile (2021), and the freshest offering, Blood Omen (2023). Their acclaim hit the sky faster than a low-cost airline’s baggage claim line, largely thanks to their familial ties. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, one of the band’s co-founders is none other than George Harris, the son of the legendary Steve Harris from none other than Iron Maiden. You could say heavy metal royalty runs in the blood—just check their family tree; it’s got more branches than a Scottish pub’s whiskey menu!

With over 400 gigs in 38 countries under their studded belts, The Raven Age is no stranger to belting out riffs in front of millions. They’ve graced stages at major hallowed festivals like Download, Rock in Rio, Wacken, and Hellfest, sharing the spotlight with everyone from Gojira to Ghost. If you don’t recognize those names, consider this a metal slap on the back of the head—wake up! You clearly need to brush up on your heavy music icons!

Now, shifting our attention back to the virtuosos at the heart of this event—Apocalyptica. Armed with their tenth studio release, Plays Metallica Vol. 2, they’ll be returning to Riga. This new album is like a fine wine paired with a gourmet steak; it’s a follow-up to the legendary 1996 album Apocalyptica Plays Metallica by Four Cellos, an auditory blockbuster that catapulted four Finnish men with cellos into the global limelight faster than you can say “we’ll take that as a tribute.”

Released on June 7 this year, the album aims to revisit the roots of symphonic metal. This time, the cello crew is here to continue their noble quest of paying homage to Metallica—not that those rock gods need any more accolades! But hey, it’s a joyride of sound that resonates with metal fans across the globe. Eika Topinens, the band’s leader, had this to say: “It’s incredible to know that after so many years our tribute to Metallica still resonates so strongly with listeners. Being able to share our love of Metallica’s music directly with an audience in live concerts is something magical and unique.” Because nothing says ‘I love you’ like playing heavy riffs on a cello while headbanging—yes, you can headbang to a cello, and yes, it’s as glorious as it sounds!

So, if you’re anywhere near Riga on October 21 and you’ve got a taste for orchestral mayhem, make sure you don’t miss out on this concert. With Apocalyptica’s deep-rooted respect for Metallica and The Raven Age ready to light up the stage, you’re guaranteed an evening filled with spectacular shredding, dramatic bowing, and perhaps a few metal tears shed in the audience. Grab your tickets, grab your friends, and let’s make some noise that would make even the gods of thunder blush!

Written with a sprinkle of sarcasm and a whole lot of respect for the metal scene. Because here, heavy metal isn’t just a genre; it’s a lifestyle!