Gig Poster: Apocalyptica

Apocalyptica is a Finnish cello metal band from Helsinki, Finland formed in 1993. The band is composed of classically trained cellists, all of whom are graduates of the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. Originally a Metallica classical tribute band, it eventually adopted a neoclassical metal style without the use of conventional guitars. Their music takes advantage of the versatility of the cello to create distorted, grungy sound through acoustic bowing technique without distortion pedals.

This poster uses original illustrations of four pairs of hands in cello-playing positions to illustrate the intense, interweaving harmonies of the four cellists. The illustrations were done on crinkly, translucent tracing paper in order to get a grungy, distorted effect with ink washes, taking advantage of the natural wrinkling and warping of the paper. The poster emphasizes the band’s iconic image, which combines the elegance of classical music with the intensity and force of metal music.