Bravewords.com correspondent Deb Rao recently spoke with Perttu Kivilaakso of APOCALYPTICA to discuss the upcoming release 7th Symphony and recent appearance at Rock On The Range:

Bravewords.com: How would you describe the sound of Apocalyptica?

Perttu: "It is a combination of many things. In general when we began we played only instrumental music with cellos. We didn't plan to build up the band. We were having fun. Later on we added other elements like drums into the band. Then guest vocalists. Now the vocal collaborations are probably the most easy way that people know our stuff. Our last album, 'I Don't Care' was a really cool track that we made with Adam from THREE DAYS GRACE. It really turned out well. It was fun working in the States. I think it opened a door for the next album really. We made the album now in January. It is going to be released in August. I think we have four different tours coming to the States."

Bravewords.com: What can the fans expect to see on the current U.S. Tour? How long a set will you be performing?

Perttu: "We are going to play a couple of new tracks already from our new album. It is not released yet but we going to give a preview. Then we will play songs from the past. We are really full of energy. The States have turned out to be a most important country for us. The market is bigger than the rest of the world."

Bravewords.com: Who will be on vocals?

Perttu: "We have been touring in Europe with a Finnish guy called Tipe Johnson. He is now with us here as well."

Bravewords.com: Now you mentioned your new album, 7th Symphony. It is going to be released in August. Tell us a little bit about the writing process for the album.

Perttu: "It wasn't so easy. We were burned out after 200 gigs. I think we found ourselves in a wrong direction. Actually, all of the best songs came a couple of days before we had the studio book. But we worked with Joe Barresi. He is a really great producer. He came to Finland to record our cellos. I would say in the process it was the most fascinating album recording so far. Because we were really innovative in the studio and had many open questions in a recording situation. We played a lot of things live in the studio. We were really experimenting things. Joe was really cool guy and open to all the crazy ideas."

Bravewords.com: How did you get to work with Gavin Rossdale on the first single from the album 'End Of Me"?

Perttu: "Actually, we have a little history with Gavin. We already made the re-make of a BUSH song twelve years ago. Gavin was in our mind for the voices on that track. He was willing to do it. I think it is a powerful track as well."

Bravewords.com: Also, you are working with Dave Lombardo from SLAYER. How did this transpire?

Perttu: "This is already the fourth album for Dave that he was taken part. We also had this funny idea to put our drummer into the same track. They were recording together with Dave. It is a really powerful rock song. Two drum kits and a lot of noise. It is hard to understand what is all happening in there. But it is a really cool thing."

Bravewords.com: Also, you are working with the singer from FLYLEAF. How did this come about?

Perttu: "She was introduced through us from our record label. It is probably a poppier side than we have ever done. She has a sexy, and really fragile style of singing."

Bravewords.com: How do you think playing at large festivals such as ROTR varies from performing in clubs?

Perttu: "It is always different challenge. Especially in festivals. You never should expect anybody that knows our songs but at our own shows it is obvious. Fans are coming there and it is maybe easier to convince those people in a club. It is more intimate. But in a festival it is always a bigger challenge. There is a bigger audience. We have to do everything twice as much. It is really cool. If a festival goes well it is like feeling victorious."

Bravewords.com: What are your future touring plans?

Perttu: "I think we are coming back to the States in July for a couple of weeks. Then again in August and September and do one more run before Christmas."

Bravewords.com: Do you feel there is a connection between metal and classical music?

Perttu: "Yes, we wanted to bring in those elements from our roots into our music."

Bravewords.com: How do you think the band has evolved since the last album Worlds Collide?

Perttu: "I think it is really interesting challenge. 'I Don't Care' was such a hit already. So we have this challenge to bring as strong song now. Our first album was released in 1996 so we have been around for a while. Basically, USA the last couple of years. It is open for us. It is really difficult to come into this market. Especially from Finland. It is a small place, so far away. We are really satisfied to play in front of the U.S. crowd. It is a strong response from the people here."

Bravewords.com: Are you looking forward to performing in the United States?

Perttu: "I would like to point out the enthusiasm that we have at the moment. It is really cool. Of course there has been some difficult years with this long history. The rising of the U.S. for us has brought enthusiasm and we are enjoying to play live more than ever."

Bravewords.com: We would like to get your thoughts on the passing of a great metal singer RONNIE JAMES DIO.

Perttu: "I think he was such a great artist. I listened to most of his solo stuff DIO."

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