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 for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise 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)

Holding You Deep InsideNarwhal Tusk

NARWHAL TUSK – MY ANGEL

Holding You Deep InsideNarwhal Tusk

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.

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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.