APOCALYPTICA Signs With ELEVEN SEVEN MUSIC

Eleven Seven Music Group has announced the signing of Finnish cello rockers APOCALYPTICA for the following territories: the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East and South East Asia. The band's new album will be released in April 2015.

"Successful artists are about talent that differentiates them from the rest of the pack. APOCALYPTICA have consistently proven that they have their own unique niche," says Eleven Seven CEO Allen Kovac.

Adds APOCALYPTICA in a statement: "A lot of bands we really like or we are friends with are signed with Eleven Seven.

"After our previous record deals with major record companies, we were aiming for a label home where we know the people and can rely on working with them for at least the period of an album cycle. Having Allen with us gives us this confidence, paired with a great team full of passion and ideas for what we do. We are excited being part of this!"

APOCALYPTICA has tapped Grammy Award-winning producer Nick Raskulinecz (FOO FIGHTERS, DEFTONES, MASTODON) to helm the band's new CD. 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 recently 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."

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."