Apocalyptica, the Finnish group that pretty much invented the genre of heavy metal played on cellos with its best-selling 1996 Metallica tribute, hits town in support of 7th Symphony, a typically bombastic new disc that features guest spots from Slayer's Dave Lombardo and Bush's (or Gwen Stefani's?) Gavin Rossdale. Redeeming the bill is Japan’s Dir En Grey, which has jumped from experimental to pop to progressive rock since its 1997 formation. It seems the current lineup has settled on an extreme-metal foundation that still supports some rather sunny, goofy forays.
