Apocalyptica, the cello-led metal quartet formed in 1993, originated from Eino Matti Toppinen’s decision to arrange songs from the Metallica album Ride The Lightning for four cellos. This initiative, developed while the musician was a student at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, set the foundation for a career spanning classical, symphonic metal, and operatic composition.
Early Development and Training
Born in 1975 in Vantaa, Toppinen began formal cello studies at age nine. During his tenure at the Sibelius Academy, he interacted with future band members including Paavo Lötjönen, Antero Manninen, and Max Lilja. His professional training included performances with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Avanti! chamber orchestra. He is also a founding member of the academy's Cellosextet.
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The group’s debut record, Plays Metallica by Four Cellos, followed an approach from Kari Hynninen of Zen Garden Records after a performance at the Teatro Heavy Metal Club. Beyond Apocalyptica, Toppinen diversified his output into film and theater, composing scores for the play Paper Rain and the film Milja. In 2007, he scored the movie Musta Jää, receiving a Jussi Award for his work in 2008.
Orchestral and Operatic Projects
Toppinen expanded his scope toward large-scale productions, including the Wagner Reloaded-Live in Leipzig project recorded at the Leipzig Arena in 2013. Collaborating with Perttu Kivilaakso, he composed the opera Indigo, which premiered at the Finnish National Opera in 2016. The work examines the influence of multinational corporations and the pursuit of happiness. In 2020, he participated as a panelist on the television program Masked Singer Suomi.
Fast facts
- Born: 5 August 1975, Vantaa
- Primary Instrument: Cello
- Education: Sibelius Academy
- Band: Apocalyptica
- Jussi Award: 2008, for Musta Jää
- Opera: Indigo, premiered 2016
- Residence: Oslo, Norway
Questions readers ask
What is Eicca Toppinen’s primary instrument?
He is a cellist who utilizes 1787 Lupot and 1857 Postiglione instruments.
Did Eicca Toppinen work on projects outside of Apocalyptica?
Yes, he has composed film scores, theatrical music, and an opera titled Indigo, and served as a drummer for Cherry & The Vipers.
Achievements
- Instruments: cello
- Genres: symphonic metal and opera
