Apocalyptica have released the fourth and final single from Apocalyptica Plays Metallica, Vol. 2 – the hotly-anticipated sequel to their legendary debut record.

"The Call Of Ktulu" follows on from a rapturous response to the preceding three singles: stunning reinterpretations of "The Four Horsemen", "The Unforgiven II", and "One". Most notably, "The Call of Ktulu" features a truly remarkable guest: legendary Metallica bassist Cliff Burton himself.

Apocalyptica Plays Metallica Vol. 2 will continue the journey that began in 1996 when cellists from Helsinki’s world-renowned Sibelius Academy played symphonic tribute to the biggest of the big four – heavy metal titans Metallica. For their ninth record the classically-minded dynamos are returning to their roots to bring a legendary story full circle. It also features a host of surprises, including appearances by Metallica’s very own James Hetfield, Rob Trujillo, and – in a move that is sure to set the metal world alight – "The Call Of Ktulu", featuring the original bassline laid down by Cliff Burton, who tragically lost his life in a tour bus accident in 1986.

Apocalyptica’s "The Call Of Ktulu", the original of which first appeared on Metallica’s second album – 1984 landmark Ride The Lightning – is more than just a reimagining of that defining moment in thrash history. It represents a resounding seal of approval given by Metallica and the family of Cliff Burton themselves, who were all enthusiastically behind the idea. It also serves as a powerful tribute to a legendary bassist whose colossal musical legacy lives on.

"I’ve learned in life that if you have crazy ideas it’s always worth asking, so I called Lars!" says Apocalyptica founder Eicca Toppinen. "He was like, 'I love that you guys always think outside of the box!' James (Hetfield) loved the idea, and I met one of Cliff’s close relatives and she did, too. It was a spiritual experience working on this. We wanted to treat this with honour and maximum respect, and it was magical to have people so close to Cliff say that he would have loved it."

Initially set for release on Friday, a visualizer for "The Call Of Ktulu" can now be viewed below.

Says Apocalyptica: "We simply couldn't wait till Friday... so we decided to show you one more song before album release day! 'The Call Of Ktulu' in memory of Cliff Burton is out now on all streaming and download platforms.

"This song is indeed very special to us. was a spiritual experience working on it! We wanted to treat it with maximum respect to honor Cliff. For us, it is a powerful tribute to a legendary bassist whose colossal musical legacy lives on in many ways – with
the Cliff Burton Family celebrating his life and telling his stories amongst other things. It means a lot to us and makes us very proud that we could feature the original bassline laid down by Cliff Burton himself in our version of the song. Let's celebrate this exceptional musician and person!"

Apocalyptica Plays Metallica Vol. 2, out June 7, will continue the journey that began in 1996 when cellists from Helsinki’s world-renowned Sibelius Academy played symphonic tribute to the biggest of the big four - heavy metal titans Metallica. For their ninth record the classically-minded dynamos are returning to their roots to bring a legendary story full circle. It also features a host of surprises beginning with a unique collaboration.

This album will be the band’s final studio release with Apocalyptica’s long-time member, drummer Mikko Sirén, who amicably departed after the new album’s completion. Plays Metallica Vol. 2 was produced by longtime collaborator and studio supremo Joe Barresi (Queens Of The Stone Age, Soundgarden, Nine Inch Nails, Tool) and will be released via new label Throwdown Entertainment.

Tracklisting:

"Ride The Lightning"
"St. Anger"
"The Unforgiven II"
"Blackened"
"The Call Of Ktulu" (in memory of Cliff Burton)
"The Four Horsemen" (ft. Robert Trujillo)
"Holier Than Thou"
"To Live Is To Die"
"One"
"One" (Instrumental)

"One" video:

"The Unforgiven II" video:

"The Four Horsemen" video:

Apocalyptica recently released the official video trailer for their upcoming "Plays Metallica Vol. 2" tour. Watch below and get tickets at Apocalyptica.com.

Tour dates:

June
8 - Helsinki, Finland - Ice Hall

September
13 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates - TBA
19 - Istanbul, Turkey - Zorlu PSM
21 - Stockholm, Sweden - Kagelbanan
22 - Oslo, Norway - Rockefeller
23 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Amager Bio
24 - Aarhus, Denmark - Train
26 - Hamburg, Germany - Große Freiheit 36
27 - Tilburg, Netherlands - O13
29 - Manchester, UK - Manchester Albert Hall
30 - London, UK - Royal Albert Hall

October
1 - Dublin, Ireland - 3Olympia Theatre
3 - Glasgow, UK - SWG3
4 - Nottingham, UK - Rock City
5 - Cardiff, UK - Great Uni Hall
7 - Wiesbaden, Germany - Schlachthof
8 - Munich, Germany - Tonhalle
9 - Cologne, Germany - E-Werk
10 - Vienna, Austria - Gasometer
11 - Prague, Czech Republic - 02 Universe
12 - Dresden, Germany - Alter Schlachthof
13 - Berlin, Germany - Columbiahalle
15 - Krakow, Poland - Studio
16 - Warsaw, Poland - Progresja
18 - Palanga, Lithuania - Concert Hall
19 - Kaunus, Lithuania - Zalgiris Arena
20 - Vilnius, Lithuania - Compensa Hall
21 - Riga, Latvia - Arena
22 - Tallinn, Estonia - Alexella Hall

November
11 - Esch Alzette, Luxembourg - Rockhal
12 - Brussels, Belgium - AB
13 - Paris, France - L’Olympia
14 - Bordeaux, France - Le Rocher
15 - Bilbao, Spain - Santana 27
17 - Lisbon, Portugal - LAV
18 - Madrid, Spain - La Riviera
19 - Barcelona, Spain - Razzmatazz
20 - Marseille, France - Espace Julien
21 - Milan, Italy - Alcatraz
22 - Lausanne, Switzerland - Metropole
23 - Zurich, Switzerland - Komplex
25 - Budapest, Hungary - Barba Negra
26 - Cluj, Romania - Form Space
27 - Bucharest, Romania - Sala Palatului
28 - Sofia, Bulguari - NDK (National Palace of Culture)
29 - Skopje, Macedonia - Jane Sandanski Sports Center
30 - Belgrade, Serbia - Hangar