10 Rock Albums You Constantly Have To Defend Loving

Classical music and heavy metal are two opposing forces that should never meet. But Apocalyptic challenges that idea. They're a bunch of longhaired, leather-clad, Finnish goths, playing heavy metal on classical instruments... , it has the whiff of a gimmick, already. But don't be so quick to dismiss this group.

These guys started off as a covers band, offering up classical renditions of Metallica bangers, before eventually collaborating with a number of well known rock vocalists. You'll likely remember the single they released with Corey Taylor in the late 2000s, it was a staple on Scuzz TV. Chances are it was one of the tracks you downloaded from the iTunes store, telling yourself it's okay because it featured the guy from Slipknot.

But those evocative strings in the chorus were another factor you found strangely appealing. Heavy-metal played on cellos is admittedly tough sell, but when it sounds this good, it shouldn't be. The album contains more of the same stirring rock balladry that got you hooked on the single.

There's also a cover of David Bowie's Heroes sung in German, which sounds ridiculous, but is thoroughly enjoyable.