For the first time in a decade, Finnish cello-metal legends Apocalyptica returned to Winnipeg, bringing their "Apocalyptica Plays Metallica Vol. 2 Tour" to the historic Burton Cummings Theatre. The night was a celebration of Metallica’s iconic catalogue, reimagined through Apocalyptica’s unique symphonic-metal fusion. Adding to the excitement, virtuoso guitarist Nita Strauss made her long-awaited solo debut in the city, delivering an electrifying opening set that left the packed audience in awe.
Nita Strauss. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
Nita Strauss wasted no time showcasing why she’s one of the most respected guitarists in rock and metal today. Opening with the high-energy instrumental "Momentum," she captivated the crowd with her flawless technique and commanding stage presence. Her set continued with "Our Most Desperate Hour" and "Summer Storm," each track highlighting her incredible speed and precision.
Midway through the set, Strauss delivered a thunderous drum solo alongside her husband, Josh Villalta, during the song "The Quest," proving that the entire band was just as powerful as her guitar work. The real surprise of the night came when she welcomed vocalist Kasey Karlsen of Deadlands to the stage. With Karlsen on vocals, the set took an electrifying turn, featuring "Victorious," the heavy-hitting "Digital Bullets," "Dead Inside," and the anthemic "The Wolf You Feed." Karlsen’s ferocious delivery perfectly complemented Strauss' masterful guitar work, making for a truly unforgettable collaboration.
Apocalyptica. Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography
From the moment Apocalyptica took the stage, the energy in the theatre reached a fever pitch. Opening with "Ride the Lightning," the quartet proved why they have remained a must-see act for decades. Their cello-driven metal interpretations carried a level of intensity and grandeur that set them apart from any other Metallica tribute or cover act.
"Enter Sandman" and "Creeping Death" followed, with the crowd singing along despite the absence of traditional vocals. The haunting power of "For Whom the Bell Tolls" resonated through the venue, while "Battery" and "The Call of Ktulu" showcased the band’s ability to balance raw aggression with classical elegance.
A standout moment came with "St. Anger," a song often debated among Metallica fans, but Apocalyptica’s rendition gave it new life, emphasizing its deep, rhythmic intensity. "The Four Horsemen" and "Blackened" kept the adrenaline pumping, while "Master of Puppets" had the entire theatre on their feet, headbanging in unison. The emotional "Nothing Else Matters" provided a brief, breathtaking respite before the set closed with the explosive "Seek & Destroy."
Of course, the night couldn’t end without an encore, and Apocalyptica delivered a spine-chilling performance of "One." The haunting cello melodies combined with the thunderous percussion made for a perfect finale, leaving the Winnipeg audience in absolute awe.
For both longtime fans and newcomers, this was a night of musical mastery and metal redefined. Nita Strauss made a powerful first impression on Winnipeg as a solo artist, and Apocalyptica once again proved why they remain a groundbreaking force in the metal world. With a decade-long absence finally broken, Winnipeg metal fans can only hope it won’t be another ten years before Apocalyptica returns to shake the city once again.