Apocalyptica "Plays Metallica Vol. 2 Tour 2025" – Cincinnati, OH

Venue: Andrew J Brady Music Center
Date: February 14, 2025
Opening Act: Nita Strauss

From the moment the doors opened at the Andrew J Brady Music Center, you could feel the energy in the air. Fans of both classical metal fusion and pure shred guitar gathered, eager for an evening filled with some of the most legendary heavy metal compositions reimagined. Apocalyptica, the Finnish cello metal masters, brought their unique interpretation of Metallica's catalog to life in an electrifying performance that had the entire crowd on their feet.

Nita Strauss – A Shredder’s Dream

Opening the night was none other than Nita Strauss, the fierce and virtuosic guitarist best known for her work with Alice Cooper. This solo tour showcased her incredible technical prowess, and from the first note, she had the audience completely locked in. Her precision, speed, and command of the instrument were mesmerizing. Each song demonstrated why she is one of the most sought-after guitarists in rock and metal today.

One of the most memorable moments of her set was when her husband, Josh Villata, who also plays drums in her band, delivered a blistering drum solo. As the crowd roared in approval, he surprised Nita by stepping out from behind the kit and presenting her with flowers—a touching and unexpected moment that added a personal touch to an already electrifying performance.

Apocalyptica – Metallica Like You’ve Never Heard Before

After a brief intermission, the lights dimmed, and a haunting cello drone filled the venue. The roar of the crowd signaled that it was time for Apocalyptica to take the stage. As they launched into "Ride The Lightning" with a teaser of "Escape", it was immediately clear that this was going to be a special night. The sheer intensity of their playing turned their cellos into full-blown metal machines, and the audience responded in kind—heads banging, fists pumping, and voices singing along to every familiar melody.

The setlist was stacked with Metallica classics, each one transformed into a dramatic, symphonic metal masterpiece. "Enter Sandman" was a massive crowd-pleaser, while "Creeping Death" sent the energy through the roof. The band played with surgical precision, maintaining the raw aggression of Metallica’s originals while adding their own orchestral flair.

One of the standout moments of the night was "The Call of Ktulu", which the band dedicated to the late, great Cliff Burton. The slow build of the song, paired with its eerie atmosphere, gave the performance an almost cinematic quality. It was a fitting tribute to a bassist who helped define Metallica’s early sound, and the emotional weight of the moment was palpable in the venue.

As the show continued, highlights kept piling up. "Battery" was played at a breakneck pace, sending the pit into a frenzy. "The Four Horsemen" and "Blackened" were as intense as ever, while the band’s rendition of "Nothing Else Matters" brought a moment of emotional contrast—sweeping, delicate, yet powerful.

Closing out the main set was a blistering take on "Seek & Destroy", with a brief but unexpected excerpt of "...And Justice For All" woven in, adding an extra layer of surprise. The audience erupted as Apocalyptica left the stage, but they weren’t done just yet.

Encore – "One" For The Road

The encore was nothing short of breathtaking. The unmistakable opening notes of "One" rang out, sending chills through the crowd. The song’s delicate intro gradually built into the thunderous, machine-gun rhythm that Metallica fans know so well. The band executed it flawlessly, delivering a performance that felt both ferocious and deeply emotional.

Final Thoughts

Apocalyptica’s "Plays Metallica Vol. 2 Tour 2025" was more than just a tribute—it was a reinvention, a celebration, and a masterclass in musicianship. Their ability to translate Metallica’s relentless energy into a cello-driven spectacle is nothing short of mesmerizing. The Cincinnati crowd was completely absorbed in every note, making this one of those unforgettable nights where everything just clicked.

Pairing Apocalyptica with Nita Strauss was a stroke of genius—both acts showcased different sides of musical virtuosity, and the result was a show that satisfied die-hard metal fans and classical enthusiasts alike. If this tour is coming to your city, don’t miss it.

Rating: 10/10 – Epic beyond words!