The Fillmore in downtown Detroit was the place to be Sunday night welcoming Apocalyptica with special guest Nita Strauss. Doors were opened around 6:30 on a snowy night but that wasn’t going to stop the folks in line that wrapped around two city blocks. Entering the Fillmore and seeing this event was a seated show says something as not many shows at all are seated shows. The Fillmore was about to be treated to a graceful, classic, rock show, wowing, set only the cello can deliver. First things first, kicking the evening off guitar goddess, Alice Cooper guitarist Nita Strauss who is kicking off her solo tour.

Opening up with a one-two punch like a seasoned boxer Nita delivered with “Momentum” and “Our most Desperate Hour” to only follow with a neck breaker in “Summer Storm.” My, oh, my we are in for a takeover. BTW “Summer Storm” is my favorite song, and fav of the night. Talk about shredding, talk about needing some band aids afterwards, talk about needing some neck relief the next morning this song has it all including goosebumps. The 10-song set is heavy with a side shred you come to expect from the Queen of guitar shreds. High light of the night was the crazy drum solo from Nita husband (drummer) Josh Villalta. Capping off the set with Flint native David Gunn joining Nita on stage for a ripping finale “The Wolf you Feed” what a treat that was for the Detroit locals.

Good thing we had a little time to catch our breath before the Finnish symphonic metal band from Helsinki, who formed in 1993 Apocalyptica hit the stage. The Fillmore was about to be transformed in a graceful yet powerful kind of way. This was a first for me and has the saying goes you always remember your first. The band played Metallica Vol. 2 with cello’s, yes cellos. The was amazing to see up close and in person. Opening with the cover “Ride the Lightning” the trio of cellists—Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen, and Perttu Kivilaakso amazed the sold-out crowd from the get-go greeting the boys with a monstruous cheer and taking the crowd for a ride with “Enter Sandman.” How cool was this night going to be. Drummer Mikko Kaakkuriniemi provided the filth for the night, I’ll explain later.

There were so many highlights from the 13-song set that I won’t mention, ok maybe just a couple. Let’s start with “Seek & Destroy” All they had to do was hit one cord and it was instant chills! The crowd was no longer seated, absolutely a masterful display of skills never seen before and I do mean that. The trio left the best for last and my all-time favorite ending the night with “One.” Remember I said the drummer brought the filth earlier well here it is. If this song does not get your body going well then you just might not be alive. Holy hell, what a masterpiece! The strobes going off with every strike mid song looking like you might have to take cover from strobes illuminating lightning inside the venue. The tour is still going strong so get out and see what all the hype is about in a city near you. Horns up and keep rocking!

Apocalyptica live at the Fillmore February 16, 2025