Recommended Russian rock bands. Special feature on popular overseas bands.

Russia! Vodka! Tetris!F.R.Y.

F.R.Y. – Russia! Vodka! Tetris!

Bands that deliver heavy performances with comical-themed lyrics are popular in Japan too.

The one I’d like to recommend this time is the Russian metal band FRV.

One of their signature songs is “Russia! Vodka! Tetris!”, and the chorus refrain is seriously catchy.

Their energetic playing and rap-style flow are striking, and the straightforward band sound of their tracks is part of the appeal.

If you like loud rock, definitely give their music a listen.

Country Of OblivionEpidemia

Epidemia – Country Of Oblivion

Epidemia, active since the 1990s, is a traditional power metal band led by guitarist Yuri Melisov—the sole original member and the group’s central figure.

Within the Russian metal scene, they boast top-tier skill and popularity.

Their songs—featuring melancholic melodies delivered by high‑pitched vocals, guitar lines packed with the kind of ‘kusa-melo’ Japanese fans love, and a band ensemble that dazzles with dramatic structural beauty—are irresistible for anyone who craves this style of sound.

They’ve also released conceptual rock opera works and have earned high praise from metal fans not only in their native Russia but around the world.

They successfully toured Japan in 2019, and we can only hope to see their commanding presence on a Japanese stage again someday.

ДружинаРУЯН

РУЯН – Дружина

Luyan is a folk metal band with a classical and grand atmosphere.

They specialize in a hefty, orthodox metal sound and are known for their technical performances.

In addition to ethnic arrangements featuring flute tones, their symphonic choral work—evocative of a church—is also a highlight.

The soaring female vocals, which conjure images of Russia’s beautiful nature, will resonate with your heart.

Why not lose yourself in their folkish band sound, brimming with beauty and power?

RavenTvangeste

Tvangeste – Raven

Tvangeste is a symphonic metal band formed in 1996, known for their doomy, heavy tracks.

Their rich death growls, which create a dark atmosphere, are truly one of a kind.

Many of their songs are highly narrative, featuring classical arrangements and resonant choral work.

Among Russian metal bands, they craft an especially edgy sound, making them a great recommendation for those seeking something more niche.

Why not try their black metal infused with gothic elements?

StormchildMechanical Poet

Mechanical Poet ▪ 2004 ▪ Stormchild

Unfortunately, the band disbanded after about seven years of activity from their formation in 2002 to 2009, but Mechanical Poet from Moscow, Russia released works that impressed connoisseurs with their distinctive metal sound.

The central figure is guitarist Lex Plotnikov, who came from avant-garde and alternative bands, and at one point the vocalist was Max Samosvat, also known for his time as the singer of Epidemia.

Coming from a background different from traditional heavy metal, Lex is said to be influenced by film composers like Danny Elfman.

As you can see from their album covers, their sound is anything but straightforward, built around a uniquely Russian, fantastical worldview, with dramatic song structures in the vein of progressive metal and theatrical orchestral elements.

Their debut album, Woodland Prattles, released in 2004, was issued in Japan, so if you’re looking for something a bit unusual in metal, be sure to check it out.

Holding You Deep InsideNarwhal Tusk

NARWHAL TUSK – MY ANGEL

If you can’t get enough of symphonic sounds with a gothic atmosphere and gorgeous female vocals singing beautiful melodies, be sure to check out Naroual Task from Tangarog, Russia! Russian metal often has a unique charm when sung in the native language, but what’s distinctive about this band is that they sing in English, making them approachable even for newcomers to non-Western ‘frontier’ metal.

Their only full-length album to date, In Despair, was released in 2010.

Its melodies balance lyricism without leaning too far into gothic, a style that’s likely to appeal to Japanese listeners—and if you’re into bands like Nightwish, you’ll almost certainly love their sound.

Stenka Na StenkuARKONA

ARKONA – Stenka Na Stenku | Napalm Records

Arkona, a representative band of the Russian folk/pagan metal scene, was formed in Moscow in 2002.

Strongly influenced by Slavic mythology and Russian folklore, their music is characterized by a distinctive style that incorporates traditional Russian instruments.

Their 2005 album “Vo slavu velikim!” featured collaborations with Russian folk multi-instrumentalists.

The 2009 album “Goi, Rode, Goi!” was an ambitious work that involved more than 40 musicians and included a choir and a string quintet.

Arkona has also embarked on international tours, including North America and Mexico.

Highly recommended for those drawn to the fusion of richly ethnic melodies and a powerful metal sound!