Apocalyptica

Hearing Apocalyptica is one thing, seeing them is another, and until you do there’s no way you can fully grasp how the cello not only sounds but also looks rock’n’roll. Above all else that’s what this DVD documents. Filmed in Düsseldorf, Germany, the nearly one-and-a-half-hour concert features a mix of the covers that introduced Apocalyptica to the world, including tracks by Metallica and Sepultura, and the original songs that proved they’re a legitimate band. The ballads come off with the most musical finesse, but Apocalyptica also know how to keep it heavy, and the flashing lights, lighter waving and hair flailing would do any rock show proud. The head banging continues on promo videos that capture the more accessible side of the band, with guest vocalists like Nina Hagen ("Seemann”) and HIM’s Ville Valo ("Bittersweet”). The Life Burns Tour isn’t "value-packed” — the other "extras” are brief — but the DVD captures a side of Apocalyptica that could never come through on CD alone.