Apocalyptica! Oh, I'm such a big fan. First, I just want to say how important Apocalyptica has been in my life. You were there to encourage me to practice my cello, because you proved that the possibilities are endless. Y'all were my shining idols to become my personal best, and maybe one day I'd be good enough to get into Sibelius Academy and live the dream like you (and maybe be able to play/sing Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 with the three of you, because that's a completely normal dream to have). Apocalyptica has been there for me while I've struggled with depression; I was listening to Farewell when I first attempted suicide. And then, after that failure and a few better years later, I walked down the aisle to your cover of Nothing Else Matters. Side note- when I first heard it, I had never heard of the Metallica original and thought it was your own composition. It sounded so perfect for cello quartet! I was blown away when I found out.
Anyway, questions! Hope you don't mind, I have a few.
1) What is your favorite piece to play live? You guys always have so much fun on stage, it's such a blast to watch. One of my favorite parts of the first concert I'd been to was when Paavo was plucking out Hall of the Mountain King and you were whipping him with your bow, willing him to go faster. I think I laughed during that entire performance, it was fantastic.
2) As most of Reddit is in America, Shadowmaker just released today (it's brilliant!). Is there a track that you're particularly proud of? Other than all of them, of course. It's been great following you (and especially Perttu!) on social media and watching part of the process of getting creating this album. Thank you for being so connected with your fans, it means so much to us!
3) Along the same lines, do any of you have personal favorites out of any of your pieces? You have such a wide variety of music throughout your entire discography, it makes me curious as to which you each would lean towards.
4) Perttu, your opera! How's it coming along? Is it going to be closer to classical opera? Or more metal, a la Nightwish (they're the only example I can think of for metal opera)?
Thank you so much for listening! I'll see you on the next tour!