Apocalyptica with Nita Strauss in Chicago 2025 Front Row Music News

15 Feb, 2025 John Kosiewicz Concert Reviews, Latest, Metal, Rock

Apocalyptica - Photo credit: John Kosiewicz

Apocalyptica Plays Metallica Vol. 2 North American Tour

on February 15, 2025, Chicago’s sold out Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture set the stage for an unforgettable night. Apocalyptica stormed through town on their Apocalyptica Plays Metallica Vol. 2 North American Tour, with Nita Strauss along for the ride. A night of blistering strings, soaring solos, and sheer musical prowess awaited. From the venue’s historic charm to the evening’s electrifying performances, it was a concert to remember. This was my first time experiencing a show at this venue. The staff was incredibly helpful, and the intimate setting made for a fantastic concert experience—highly recommended for future shows.

The Show

Nita Strauss

Nita Strauss opened the night with a masterclass in guitar shredding, proving once again why she’s one of the most electrifying guitarists in rock and metal today. A true virtuoso with a commanding stage presence, she tore through each song with precision and fire, her signature energy radiating through the venue. Midway through her performance, she surprised the audience by bringing out Kasey Karlsen of Deadlands (catch their summer 2025 tour). I instantly recognized Karlsen’s distinct vocal tone from when I had seen her band at Summerfest in 2024 (see photos here). Her powerful vocals added a fresh dynamic to the set, complementing Strauss’s relentless riffs. By the time Strauss wrapped up, the crowd was buzzing—fully charged for the symphonic metal onslaught that awaited.

Apocalyptica

Following Strauss, Apocalyptica took the stage for a symphonic metal spectacle, dedicating the entire night to the music of Metallica. Apocalyptica is the Finnish cello-metal masters who redefine what classical instruments can do. Formed in 1993 at Helsinki’s Sibelius Academy, the group first gained attention with their debut album, Plays Metallica by Four Cellos. Over the years, they’ve evolved from a tribute act into a genre-defying force, collaborating with legends like Corey Taylor, James Hetfield, and Adam Gontier. Their ability to merge symphonic elegance with metal’s raw energy has made them a powerhouse on the global stage.

Apocalyptica’s latest Metallica tribute showcased just how effortlessly they weave elegance with sheer force. Their setlist was a powerhouse collection of iconic hits, seamlessly blending classical instrumentation with heavy metal energy. From “Ride the Lightning” to “Master of Puppets,” each song was executed with raw intensity, keeping the audience fully engaged. Songs like “Enter Sandman” and “One” took on new life, carried by bowstrings instead of guitar strings. The acoustics of the Athenaeum amplified every haunting note, creating a soundscape unlike any other. Cellists Eicca Toppinen, Perttu Kivilaakso, and Paavo Lötjönen delivered virtuosic performances, along with percussionist Mikko Kaakkuriniemi. It was both theatrical and thunderous—a performance that proved why Apocalyptica remains unmatched in their craft.

Conclusion

As the final bowstrings quivered and the last cymbal crashed, the crowd erupted in applause. Apocalyptica and Nita Strauss delivered a night of pure musical electricity. The Athenaeum’s vintage grandeur paired perfectly with their genre-bending artistry. It wasn’t just a concert—it was an experience, leaving fans buzzing long after the final note faded.