APOCALYPTICA Taps Producer NICK RASKULINECZ For New Album

Finnish cello rockers APOCALYPTICA have tapped Grammy Award-winning producer Nick Raskulinecz (FOO FIGHTERS, DEFTONES, MASTODON) to helm their new album. APOCALYPTICA's Eicca Toppinen states: "Nothing better could have happened than Nick being on board for this record. The pre-production time we spent with him in late August gave us so much confidence and input for the new songs. We are all excited and overwhelmed by his energy and creativity."

Having collaborated with artists like Gavin Rossdale (BUSH),Dave Lombardo (SLAYER) and Ville Valo (HIM) on past studio albums, APOCALYPTICA have now taken on a new musical challenge: For the upcoming LP, the band is working with Franky Perez as exclusive singer on the vocal tracks — this time not only during production, but for the whole cycle, including the tour. Perez released his debut in 2003, later teaming up with SYSTEM OF A DOWN's Daron Malakian and John Dolmayan as SCARS ON BROADWAY. In 2009, Perez handled vocals for Slash's solo band, followed by collaborations with Dave Kushner (VELVET REVOLVER) as well as Scott Shriner (WEEZER),Joey Castillo (QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE) and Dave Warren ("The Simpsons") as PUSHER JONES. After being honored as vocalist for THE DOORS at the L.A. Sunset Strip Music Festival, he released his latest solo album, "Addict", in 2013.

APOCALYPTICA has just arrived at the studio in Nashville to record the material for the upcoming release. Toppinen says: "Having our singer [Franky Perez] with us for the last few months already made a big difference: For the first time, we couldn't get enough from spending time together at our rehearsal place in Finland, but being in Nashville with all our instruments, Franky and Nick now make us feel like little boys on Christmas.

"Writing and recording is taking a little longer than expected, but I'm sure this will be one of the best APOCALYPTICA albums and we can't wait to bring it out for you to hear."

Due to the extended album production process, APOCALYPTICA's European tour, which was slated to kick off on April 7 and wrap on May 7, 2015, has to be moved to October/November 2015.

Says Toppinen: "In order to properly finish and promote the record, the European dates unfortunately need to be postponed. We are truly sorry to those of you who had purchased tickets and have been disappointed by the news, but we realized there is not enough time to put together and rehearse for a full headline show."

Rescheduled dates are currently worked on and will be announced in the next days.

Before APOCALYPTICA presents the new album, along with a new production on an extensive European headline tour later this year, fans will get a glimpse of the new material when the band supports SIXX: A.M. for their long-awaited North American dates in the spring.

Says Toppinen: "When we heard about this tour, we loved the idea right away! We were on Nikki's radio show before and had a great time. I really liked SIXX: A.M.'s first two albums and am very much looking forward to the new record. Going on tour with SIXX: A.M. will bring a great night of music to all our fans."