Smak sounds like a collision between the heavy, blues-drenched grit of Led Zeppelin and the cerebral, odd-meter complexity of Mahavishnu Orchestra, all filtered through a distinct Balkan lens. The music is anchored by Radomir Mihailović Točak's guitar, which moves effortlessly from dusty blues licks to lightning-fast fusion runs. It is warm, analog, and deeply rhythmic, often featuring drums that feel like they are leading the melody rather than just keeping time.
What truly sets them apart is the interplay between Točak's 'Wheel' guitar style and Boris Aranđelović's startling vocal range. Aranđelović often leaps into a powerful, glass-shattering falsetto that mimics the phrasing of a lead guitar, creating a dual-lead dynamic that is rare in rock. Their use of traditional Balkan scales and folk-influenced melodies gives the progressive structures a soulful, earthy weight that prevents them from feeling too academic.
Start with the 1977 masterpiece 'Crna Dama'. It is the definitive document of their peak era, showcasing their ability to blend high-concept art rock with infectious, heavy grooves. The title track and 'Daire' are essential listening for anyone wanting to understand the sophisticated, dark energy of the Yugoslav rock scene.
Smak (Serbian Cyrillic: Смак; trans. The end time) is a Serbian (formerly Yugoslav) band formed in Kragujevac in 1971. The group reached the peak of popularity in the 1970s when it was one of the most notable acts of the former Yugoslav rock scene. The band's leader, guitarist Radomir Mihailović, nicknamed Točak ("The Wheel"), is considered one of the most influential guitarists on the former Yugoslav rock scene. Formed in 1971 by the guitarist Radomir "Točak" Mihajlović and drummer Slobodan "Kepa" Stojanović, the band did not get a stable lineup until 1975 by which time bassist Zoran Milanović, vocalist Boris Aranđelović and keyboard player Laza Ristovski became the band's official members. However, after recording their eponymous debut album, Ristovski left and the remaining quartet recorded their subsequent albums with various keyboardists before disbanding in 1981. After brief reunions between 1986 and 1992, the two founding members, Mihajlović and Stojanović, reestablished the band with younger musicians — vocalist Dejan "Najda" Najdanović, the second drummer Dejan "Kepa Jr." Stojanović, second guitarist Milan "Mikica" Milosavljević and bassist Vlada Samardžić. During the late 1990, the latter was replaced by the bassist Slobodan "Sale" Marković who performed with the band until 2002 when Smak disbanded once again. The remaining members from the last lineup, with the new bassist Miloš Petrović reunited in 2010, and in 2012 the default lineup of the band made a one-off reunion.
Shares progressive rock, blues rock, jazz fusion (subgenres); intense, mysterious, brooding (moods)
Shares progressive rock, hard rock, jazz fusion (subgenres); analog warmth, live recording, dynamic range (production style)
Shares progressive rock, hard rock, jazz fusion (subgenres); analog warmth, live recording, dynamic range (production style)
Shares analog warmth, dynamic range, live recording (production style); progressive rock, art rock, hard rock (subgenres)
Shares progressive rock, jazz fusion, art rock (subgenres); intense, mysterious, defiant (moods)
Shares analog warmth, dynamic range, live recording (production style); progressive rock, blues rock, art rock (subgenres)
Shares progressive rock, jazz fusion, blues rock (subgenres); analog warmth, dynamic range, live recording (production style)
Shares progressive rock, blues rock, jazz fusion (subgenres); analog warmth, dynamic range, live recording (production style)
Shares analog warmth, live recording, dynamic range (production style); progressive rock, hard rock, art rock (subgenres)
Shares jazz fusion, blues rock, progressive rock, dynamic range (signature)
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