September saw Finnish symphonic metal ensemble Apocalyptica unleash an enthralling EP titled Metal Classic, Classic Metal, which exhibited amazing cello-metal reinterpretations of three classical compositions.
Now the highly proficient foursome have returned to wrap up the year by releasing a brand new tune called “Rise Again”, which includes the incredible vocal talents of Dutch symphonic metal ensemble Epica’s vocalist, Simone Simons.
A post published on social media announcing the new song’s arrival stated, “Surprise!
“We just dropped “Rise Again” our ‘new’ song with Epica’s incredible frontwoman Simone Simons! Why is ‘new’ in quotes you ask? Because this song features Simone singing over “Rise”, a track from Cell-0!
“Eicca says: “It was so great to make Rise Again with Simone Simons! When we were putting the Epic Apocalypse-tour together we were thinking of making this collaboration with Epica even deeper by releasing a song together. Rise from Cell-0 album had the beauty and feel which we felt could fit perfectly for Simone’s unique voice. We are so happy for the song and really excited about this tour with Epica as it will be something really special and amazing!!!”
“We’re excited to hear what you think!
“Meanwhile – tickets for our upcoming tour together are going fast.”
“Happy listening – and see you on the Epic Apocalypse tour!”
As for how the new single sounds, “Rise Again” showcases an absolutely stunning synthesis of exceedingly stirring and typically skilful instrumentation alongside strikingly sublime and magnificently wide-ranging singing, all of which becomes increasingly moving and melodious as it unfolds, giving rise to an enormously riveting, hugely affecting and breathtakingly beautiful symphonic metal offering that embeds itself deep in the mind and refuses to withdraw.
You can listen to “Rise Again” via its visually gorgeous official music video below.
“Rise Again” is also available to stream on Spotify and download now.
And be sure to keep an eye out for Apocalyptica and Epica performing shows together at the following venues on the listed dates:
“The Epic Apocalypse Tour” w/ Epica and Wheel
19.01.23 – Vilnius (LT) – Compensa Concert Hall
20.01.23 – Riga (LV) – Arena Riga
21.01.23 – Tallinn (EE) – Saku Arena
23.01.23 – Oslo (NO) – Sentrum Scene
24.01.23 – Stockholm (SE) – Berns
25.01.23 – Copenhagen (DK) – Amager Bio
27.01.23 – Amsterdam (NL) – AFAS
28.01.23 – Hamburg (DE) – Georg Elser Halle
29.01.23 – Brussels (BE) – AB
30.01.23 – Bristol (UK) – O2 Academy
01.02.23 – Nottingham (UK) – Rock City
02.02.23 – Glasgow (UK) – O2 Academy
03.02.23 – Manchester (UK) – Academy
04.02.23 – London (UK) – Roundhouse
06.02.23 – Luxembourg (LU) – Atelier
07.02.23 – Paris (FR) – Zenith
08.02.23 – Toulouse (FR) – Le Bikini
10.02.23 – Barcelona (ES) – Razzmatazz 1
11.02.23 – Murcia (ES) – Murcia Gamma
13.02.23 – Madrid (ES) – La Riviera
14.02.23 – Lisbon (PT) – Coliseum
12.03.23 – Hanover (DE) – Capitol
13.03.23 – Colonge (DE) – Carlswerk Victoria
14.03.23 – Wiesbaden (DE) – Schlachthof
15.03.23 – Ludwigsburg (DE) – MHP Arena
17.03.23 – Zurich (CH) – Komplex 4567
18.03.23 – Lausanne (CH) – Metropole
19.03.23 – Milan (IT) – Fabrique
20.03.23 – Munich (DE) – Tonhalle
22.03.23 – Budapest (HU) – Barba Negra
23.03.23 – Vienna (AT) – Gasometer
24.03.23 – Brno (CZ) – Hala Vodova
25.03.23 – Warsaw (PL) – Progresja
27.03.23 – Gdansk (PL) – B90
28.03.23 – Berlin (DE) – Columbiahalle
29.03.23 – Leipzig (DE) – Haus Auensee