James Hetfield to sing Metallica classic on new Apocalyptica album
Apocalyptica promise it will “blow your mind”
Metallica frontman James Hetfield will lend his dulcet tones to a version of ‘One’ on Apocalyptica’s new album ‘Plays Metallica Vol. 2.’
The Finnish cello metallers unleash their second Metallica homage album on Friday 7th June 2024 via Throwdown Entertainment, and lead single ‘The Four Horsemen’ features Metallica’s Robert Trujillo on bass.
Apocalpytica have now confirmed that both James Hetfield and Robert Trujillo guest on their version of the war-themed Metallica classic ‘One’, which premieres on Friday 17th May.
Breaking the news to fans, Apocalyptica wrote: “We have something very special for you! We’ve been hiding a very big secret for months now. As you hopefully know already, the new ‘Plays Metallica Vol. 2’ album is coming out soon, June 7th. Now, it is time to reveal some of the cool things that we’ve been holding back!
“The third single is about to be released May 17th. And yes, it will be a new version of ‘One’…featuring the master himself, James Hetfield!!! Yes, you read it correctly. Apocalyptica feat. James Hetfield and also Rob Trujillo!
“For us, this is truly amazing, incredible and most importantly such an honour! So better wait for it and pre-save the single right away, because we are 100% sure it’s going to blow your mind!”
Apocalyptica formed in Helsinki 30 years ago initially as a classical-style Metallica tribute act, and their 1996 debut album ‘Plays Metallica by Four Cellos’ featured cello reworkings of
anthems including ‘Enter Sandman’, ‘Master of Puppets’ and ‘Creeping Death.’
Since then, Apocalyptica have evolved into a neoclassical metal outfit with vocals, and they’ve released eight further studio albums featuring predominately original compositions.
Produced by Joe Barresi (Queens of the Stone Age, Soundgarden, Nine Inch Nails, Tool), ‘Plays Metallica Vol. 2’ is the final studio release with Apocalyptica’s long-time member, drummer Mikko Sirén, who amicably exited after the new album’s completion.
Apocalyptica will perform Metallica classics on tour in the UK in September and October 2024. Tickets are on sale from Planet Rock Tickets now.
Apocalyptica’s Plays Metallica Vol.2 tour dates:
SEPTEMBER 2024
Manchester Albert Hall – Sun 29th
London Royal Albert Hall – Mon 30th
OCTOBER 2024
Glasgow SWG3 – Thu 3rd
Nottingham Rock City – Fri 4th
Cardiff Great Hall – Sat 5th
Buy Apocalyptica tickets
The rejected working titles of famous albums, including Metallica’s ‘Kill ‘Em All’:
Metallica – ‘Metal Up Your Ass’ (final title: ‘Kill ‘Em All’)
Metallica’s seminal debut album ‘Kill ‘Em All’ from 1983 was originally set to be called ‘Metal Up Your Ass’ and featured artwork of a hand clutching a dagger emerging from a toilet bowl. The band changed it to ‘Kill ‘Em All’ upon the advice of late Megaforce Records founder Jon Zazula who was rightfully worried that distributors may refuse to stock the album. Metallica did later release a ‘Metal Up Your Ass’ T-shirt containing the proposed artwork, and a 1982 bootleg recording of Metallica’s show at the Old Waldorf also featured the sleeve.
Red Hot Chili Peppers – ‘Dr Johnny Skinz’s Disproportionately Rambunctious Polar Express Machine-head’ (final title: ‘I’m With You’)
Easily the most jaw-dropping working title on our list, Red Hot Chili Peppers took inspiration for the ‘Dr Johnny Skinz’s Disproportionately Rambunctious Polar Express Machine-head’ album moniker from an acid trip one of Anthony Kiedis’ friends had. Kiedis told Spin: “(My friend) was reminiscing about one of his legendary acid trips and told us that he had been playing a sold-out show to the planets and moons, and his Number One hit was, well, that title.” Red Hot Chili Peppers sadly ditched the title and called their 2011 album ‘I’m With You.’ Boo!