Music of a wonderful world

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

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerWakachan Araki
I started playing guitar in middle school and focused on band activities during my student years. I’ve been a hobbyist Vocaloid producer for over 15 years. After entering the workforce, I gained experience in various roles, including event sound engineering and videography/photography. As a writer, I’ve contributed introduction articles for music and manga websites, and in 2022 I had the opportunity to write the bonus liner notes for IA SUPER BEST. My specialties are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

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.

In light of the current situation, we are also introducing a page for the “Ukraine Emergency Fundraising.”

Please refer to the link below.

Japan Committee for UNICEF “Ukraine Emergency Fundraising”

Recommended Russian rock bands: Featured popular international bands (21–30)

В объятиях МарыГРАЙ

ГРАЙ – В объятиях Мары (Official video)

В объятиях МарыГРАЙ

The one breathing new life into Russia’s folk/pagan metal scene is Grai.

Formed in 2007 in the Republic of Tatarstan, they’ve garnered attention with works that express Slavic traditions and a love of nature.

From their debut, Polyn-trava, they developed a distinctive sound incorporating flutes and traditional instruments.

In 2014 they released Mlada and won over overseas fans on the European tour “Folk Metal Crusade.” In 2019, their talent gained recognition across borders when they contributed a track to an album by the Greek black metal band Rotting Christ.

Highly recommended for those drawn to the fusion of richly folkloric melodies and a weighty metal sound.

Raise the rankinglower

In conclusion

I imagine each of you had your own image of Russian music, but how was it when you actually listened? Was it as you expected, or did it surprise you? In any case, I think it gave a sense that “the world is wide.” The Russian rock band scene is fascinating, isn’t it? There are still tons of bands I haven’t introduced yet, so I’ll keep updating as we go! I’d be delighted if you stop by again.