S.T.R.A.H.
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1985 in Belgrade, Serbia |
| Headquarters | Belgrade , Serbia |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
S.T.R.A.H. (; translated as F.E.A.R.) is a rock group originating from Belgrade, Serbia, established in 1985 during the Yugoslav era.
Although their early activity was intermittent, the band developed a dedicated following due to their horror-inspired music. They issued a single EP before disbanding at the onset of the Yugoslav Wars while in the process of recording their first album. The group reassembled in 2016 and subsequently launched their debut full studio album in 2019.
1985–1991
Drawing influence from American garage rock, S.T.R.A.H. was formed by Milutin Krstić (vocals), Željko Debeljević (guitar, vocals), Aleksandar Žikić (guitar and noted music journalist), Saša Ristić (bass), and Nenad Ivković (drums). The band's name was inspired by a fictional clandestine organization featured in the British comic The Steel Claw.
Following Krstić’s departure in 1986, Debeljević took over lead vocal duties. Despite performing infrequently, they cultivated a cult status through their original compositions and reinterpretations, including "Vođa," an adaptation of Crispian St. Peters' "The Pied Piper."
Their only EP from this era, Mesec ("The Moon"), was released in 1988 under Produkcija Slovenija. The record was produced by Dušan Kojić "Koja" of Disciplina Kičme, who also devised the acronym’s meaning as "Svako To Razume Ako Hoće" ("Everyone Can Understand It If They Wish"). This four-track EP featured horror-themed lyrics and artwork displaying the phrase Metus dominus unus est ("Fear Is the Only Master"). On its reverse side appeared the Count Dracula Fan Club emblem along with a New York City address.
Post-EP, Aleksandar Timofejev replaced Ivković on drums. The band dissolved during the turmoil of the Yugoslav Wars while working on their debut album, with Ristović and Debeljević relocating to Canada.
Post breakup
Aleksandar Žikić transitioned into journalism, contributing to various music publications and engaging in television and radio projects. He also authored theatrical works including Elvira je kul (Elvira Is Cool), Overdouz (Overdose), and Ples aveti (The Dance of the Spectres). His literary contributions encompass books such as Fatalni ringišpil: Hronika beogradskog rokenrola 1959 - 1979 (Fatal Carousel: The Chronicle of Belgrade Rock 'n' Roll 1959–1979, 1999), Mesto u mećavi: Priča o Milanu Mladenoviću (A Spot in the Blizzard: The Story of Milan Mladenović, 1999), and Vatra iz vode (Fire from Water, 2003), which explores whiskey culture. Additionally, he curated the pull-out publication Electrodeo: Almanah nove američke muzike (Electrodeo - The Almanac of New American Music) for the magazine NON.
Aleksandar Timofejev pursued journalism at RTV Studio B, later joining Radio B92 before advancing to program editor at RTV Studio B. He also hosted his own talk show titled Timofejev.
Nenad Ivković tragically passed away in a car accident on July 2, 2008.
2016–present
After a quarter-century break, three former members—Debeljević, Žikić, and Timofejev—reunited in 2016, joined by new bassist Miloš Marković "Felix" from Optimal Problem. Their first performance since 1991 took place in June 2016 at Belgrade’s Dok’n'Ritam musical documentary festival closing event. Their initial full concert post-reunion occurred in September 2017 at club Elektropionir alongside fellow 1980s Belgrade garage rock band Petar Pan.
In May 2019, S.T.R.A.H. issued their debut long-play album titled Kvog! through Mascom Records. Produced once again by Dušan Kojić "Koja," who had worked on their earlier EP, this release mixed fresh compositions with previously unrecorded older tracks. The song "Kameleon" ("Chameleon") features guest vocals contributed by actress Lola Orlović.
Legacy
The Serbian rock ensemble Eva Braun performed a rendition of "Noćas" during their 2001 concert in Belgrade, which was later included in the 2008 anthology Off the Record (1997–2006). Additionally, the track "Mesec" received a cover interpretation by Serbian artist Miloš Ratker, released as a single in 2021.
Studio albums
- Kvog! (2019)
EPs
- Mesec (1988)