Recommended Russian rock bands. Special feature on popular overseas bands.
When people start listening to Western rock music, they usually begin with American or British bands. But as they get curious about the bands’ backgrounds and dig deeper, many eventually discover the world of rock beyond the English-speaking countries.
In this article, we introduce a variety of bands—centered on Russian rock groups but also including metal, punk, progressive, and more!
Please take this opportunity to enjoy the unique sounds and melodies you won’t find in any other country.
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Recommended Russian rock bands. Special feature on popular overseas bands (1–10)
Перемен!КИНО
Kino was a rock band active in the Soviet Union in the 1980s.
They’re also well known for their band name, which means “film.” Known for songs like “Перемен!” (“Change!”), they wrote music that addressed themes reflecting the social conditions of the time.
They gained fans through media tie-ins, such as the live scene featured in the film Assa.
Many of their tracks have a passionate rock sound, with memorable looping guitar parts.
With many songs carrying the message “We want to change today’s society,” their music resonates with modern listeners as well.
Their melodies are characterized by a simple band setup, making them a great recommendation for those who enjoy 1950s–1960s rock.
Fata dragaCATHARSIS
Since the 1990s, Russia’s music scene has seen the rise of many bands that incorporate Western styles such as rock and metal.
Among them, a top recommendation is the metal band Catharsis.
While the metal scene is often associated with a heavy, powerful sound, they are known for songs with classical, beautiful melodic lines.
Their symphonic arrangements, which complement the soaring vocals, seem to resonate deeply with listeners.
Give their dazzling music—often described as “neoclassical”—a listen.
Переспать со свободойVECTOR OF UNDERGROUND
Vector of Underground, formed by members from Moscow.
Active in the Russian metal scene of the 2010s, they are known for humorous songs that incorporate a variety of musical styles.
Their melodic performances, featuring elements of electronica and heavy metal, are particularly striking.
With edgy playing and powerful shouts, their sound is irresistible for metalheads.
If you enjoy Japan’s loud rock acts like Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas, definitely give them a listen.
Baba YagaSlaughter To Prevail
Even within the modern deathcore scene, the multinational band Slaughter to Prevail—composed of Russian and British members—has stunned extreme heavy music fans around the world with relentless brutality and growls so vicious they hardly seem human.
Their 2017 debut album, Misery Sermon, caused a sensation with its sheer ferocity and thrust them straight to the forefront of deathcore.
About four years later, in 2021, they released their long-awaited second album, Kostolom, which firmly elevated them a head above their peers in the genre.
Drawing openly from nu metal influences like Slipknot and Korn, they evolved decisively: while keeping their signature ultra-heavy sound at the core, they incorporated off-kilter guitar phrases, unconventional rhythms, and clean sections.
That doesn’t mean they shifted toward anything soft—if anything, the sinister, deranged atmosphere only intensified.
It’s also intriguing how distinctly Russian melodic lines surface throughout.
If you’re looking for uniquely characterful, crushingly heavy music, this band comes highly recommended.
CHAIKAPussy Riot
Pussy Riot, a punk band from Russia known for performing with their faces covered by colorful balaclavas, has made a strong impression.
Their songs, which question society, have drawn significant attention.
While they are known for their punkish sound, their 2016 track “CHAIKA” is a deep cut with a comfortable hip-hop-style beat.
The heavy drums and their rapid-fire rapping are particularly striking.
With its passionate and technical production, it’s also recommended for fans of EDM and house music.
Be sure to check out Russian music, which is supported by musicians around the world.
СолнцеворотAnabioz
Anabios, a folk metal band representing Russia.
Their hallmark is a heavy sound intertwined with ambient-tinged violin tones.
The male death growls mix with a vibrant female vocal, letting you feel both power and fragility at once.
The expansive sound that evokes majestic natural landscapes is also striking.
Shouts and weighty guitar riffs voice the cries of the inner heart.
It’s a recommended track not only for heavy metal fans, but also for those seeking game music or cool background music.
Harm/БедаRarog
Lalogg is a metal band from Moscow formed in 2004.
Even within the Russian music scene—home to many popular pagan and Viking metal acts—their appeal lies in melodic, folk-infused songs.
They feature a driving, classical-leaning sound, with clean-toned female vocals that evoke an epic narrative.
Tracks that incorporate rapid-fire, battle-like guitar shredding and death growls are sure to resonate with metalheads as well.
Give their technical yet orthodox folk metal a listen.