Ария
Galloping basslines and soaring operatic vocals define this cornerstone of Russian metal. It is the sound of epic storytelling and high-octane heavy metal tradition.
Galloping basslines and soaring operatic vocals define this cornerstone of Russian metal. It is the sound of epic storytelling and high-octane heavy metal tradition.
Aria sounds like the iron-clad spirit of the 1980s filtered through a distinctly Russian lens of poetic melancholy and grandiosity. Their music is built on a foundation of 'galloping' rhythms, twin-guitar harmonies, and a vocal delivery that borders on the theatrical. It is high-energy, technically proficient, and unapologetically epic, evoking images of vast landscapes and historical dramas.
What truly sets Aria apart is the 'Aria Family' legacy and their collaboration with professional poets like Margarita Pushkina. This partnership elevates their lyrics beyond typical metal tropes into the realm of high literature and existential philosophy. The production often carries a warm, analog weight that feels substantial and timeless, avoiding the sterile digital sheen of modern metal in favor of a rich, harmonic density.
Start with the album 'Krov za krov' (Blood for Blood). It represents the band at their creative and technical peak, showcasing the intricate songwriting and the legendary vocal range of Valery Kipelov. It is the perfect entry point for anyone wanting to understand why this band is considered the 'Russian Iron Maiden.'
Aria (Russian: Ария, romanized: Ariya) is a Russian heavy metal band that was formed in 1985 in Moscow. Although it was not the first Soviet band to play hard rock, Aria was the first to break through to mainstream media and commercial success. According to several public polls, Aria ranks among top 10 most popular Russian rock bands. Their sound resembled that of NWOBHM bands, for which they were dubbed the "Russian Iron Maiden" in the media. The band has most of its lyrics written by professional poets, Margarita Pushkina and Alexander Yelin commonly, and not by its band members. Since the band was founded, several of its founder members have gone on to form bands of their own resulting in Aria becoming the root of the so-called "Aria Family". Master, a band formed by four ex-members of Aria, is one of the most influential Russian metal bands. Kipelov is another example of a band formed by lead vocalist Valery Kipelov, who remained with the band til 2002.
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