Apocalyptica Planning Early 2015 Release for Eighth Studio Album

Finnish cello rockers Apocalyptica are plucking away at their eighth studio album. The group has announced that they're in the final stages of completing their next disc, with an eye toward an early 2015 release.

After the band completed touring in support of their '7th Symphony' album last year, each of the members took some time to pursue outside projects before returning to the fold. Eicca Toppinen says, "We're in perfect shape and still hungry for the future of making music together. If you want to try new things, you'll never know where you end up. But we're motivated and our heads are full of fresh ideas."

As with the last few albums that finally brought them radio play, Apocalyptica are once again utilizing a vocalist on some of their material. They've recruited Franky Perez, who has sung for Scars on Broadway, Pusher Jones and appeared on Slash's first solo record. Perez most recently issued his 'Addict' solo album in 2013.

For Apocalyptica, working solely with one vocalist rather than specific guest spots has elevated the entire musical vision and made for a more cohesive album. Perez will join Apocalyptica for the handful of 2014 shows they have booked and will also be on board to front the band for their 2015 European dates. The full itinerary can be seen below.

Stay tuned for more details on Apocalyptica's upcoming disc with special guest Franky Perez as the album release nears.

Apocalyptica Featuring Franky Perez 2014-15 Tour Dates:

08/07/14 -- Toronto, Ontario -- Phoenix Concert Theater
08/08/14 -- Guelph, Ontario -- Guelph Concer Theater
08/09/14 -- Montreal, Quebec -- Heavy MTL
10/16/15 -- Amsterdam, Netherlands -- Cello Biennale
01/22/15 -- Tons of Metal Cruise
04/07/15 -- Berlin, Germany -- Columbiahalle
04/08/15 -- Warsaw, Poland -- Towar
04/09/15 -- Krakow, Poland -- Teatr Laznia
04/10/15 -- Prague, Czech Republic -- Forum Karlin
04/11/15 - Budapest, Hungary -- Petofi
04/12/15 -- Dresden, Germany -- Alter Schlachthof
04/13/15 -- Munich, Germany -- Zenith
04/14/15 -- Vienna, Austria -- Gasometer
04/15/15 -- Zurich, Switzerland -- Komplex N 457
04/16/15 -- Milan, Italy -- Alcatraz
04/18/15 -- Barcelona, Spain -- Sala Apolo
04/19/15 -- Pamplona, Spain -- Zentral
04/23/15 -- Madrid, Spain -- La Riviera
04/25/15 -- Paris, France -- Zenith
04/26/15 -- Bielefeld, Germany -- Ringlokschuppen
04/27/15 -- Cologne, Germany -- E-Werk
04/28/15 -- Stuttgart, Germany --- Filharmonie
04/29/15 -- Frankfurt, Germany -- Batschkapp
04/30/15 -- Luxembourg -- Den Atelier
05/02/15 -- Brussels, Belgium -- Ancienne Belgique
05/03/15 -- Hannover, Germany -- Capitol
05/04/15 -- Hamburg, Germany -- Dockes
05/06/15 -- Groningen, Netherlands -- Oosterpoort
05/07/15 -- Amsterdam, Netherlands -- Melkweg