Cello rock

Cello rock and cello metal are subgenres of rock music and heavy metal characterized by the use of cellos (as well as other bowed string instruments such as the violin and viola) as primary instruments, alongside or in place of more traditional rock instruments such as electric guitars, electric bass guitar, and drum set.

Cellos, often in groups of three or more, are used to create a sound, rhythm, and texture similar to that of familiar rock music, but distinctly reshaped by the unique timbres and more traditional genres of the cello (in particular) and other string instruments used. The cellos and other stringed instruments are often amplified and/or modified electronically, and often played in a manner imitative of the sound of electric guitars. They are often combined with other elements typical of rock music such as rock-style vocals and drumming.

Cello rock bands

Current prominent bands include:

• Rasputina (formed 1992), an American band that uses distortion effects pedals on their cellos. The band is made up of two cellists, song-writer and vocalist Melora Creager, second chair Daniel DeJesus and drummer Dawn Miceli. They are known for their references to the Victorian era and eccentric song subjects, as well as their string of albums since the mid 1990s. Rasputina opened for Marilyn Manson in their 1997 Dead to the World Tour.
• Apocalyptica (formed 1993), a Finnish quartet. The group originally played instrumental cello covers of heavy metal songs, including songs by Metallica. They now mostly play their own baroque based compositions, some including vocals. Apocalyptica opened for Metallica in 1996 and co-headlined with Rammstein in 2005.
• Coppelius (formed in 1997) Coppelius is a German band which plays metal on drums, double bass, cello and clarinet.
• Murder by Death (formed in 2000) features Sarah Balliet, who plays electric cello live and records with a German cello from the 1880s. They play an eclectic combination of rock, indie and Americana and tour frequently.
• Primitivity (formed in 2000) is a cello rock band from Washington, D.C.. Led by Loren Westbrook-Fritts, the ensemble began by covering songs of Megadeth. The group has performed on National Public Radio. Their debut album titled Plays Megadeth For Cello. was arranged and recorded entirely by Loren Westbrook-Fritts. The group has performed along with Loren Westbrook-Fritts as Artists in Residence at Strathmore Hall in Bethesda, Maryland in February 2010. The band has composed and performed original music for an upcoming album.
• Judgement Day (formed 2002). A San Francisco instrumental metal trio with Anton Patzner of Bright Eyes on violin, Lewis Patzner on cello and a drummer. The band has toured the US with Mates of State, Margot and the Nuclear So and So's and dredg.
• Break of Reality (formed in 2003), is an American instrumental rock band consisting of three cellists and a percussionist. The band's sound consists of many musical influences, such as metal, classical, and cinematic rock. The group has two original albums to its credit, and is also known for covering bands like System of a Down and Coheed and Cambria.
• The Loneliest Monk (formed in 2008) is an all original Avant-Garde Art rock duo from Chicago, IL. Front Woman Michelle Morales, who has performed with the Foo Fighters and Kanye West, incorporates melodic looping effects, voice, as well as the occasional piano. She currently plays on a Zeta Electric cello. Miles Benjamin plays drums, sings, and creates toy piano flourishes.
• Melo-M

See also

• Neo-classical metal
• Symphonic metal

References