Trivalia
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1986 in Niš, Yugoslavia |
| Founder | Vladimir Žikić "Mantis", Boban Stojiljković "Bocko", Srđan Jovanović "Điđa" |
| Defunct | 1994 |
| Headquarters | Niš , Yugoslavia (now Serbia) |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, live albums, compilations |
Trivalia () was a Serbian and Yugoslav band known for its fusion of gothic rock and industrial genres, established in Niš in 1986. Fronted by vocalist and chief composer Vladimir Žikić "Mantis", the group merged gothic rock, industrial, and darkwave styles with elements drawn from Byzantine musical traditions.
1986-1994
The ensemble was formed in the summer of 1986 by Vladimir Žikić "Mantis" (vocals, songwriting), Boban Stojiljković "Bocko" (bass, rhythm machine), and Srđan Jovanović "Điđa" (guitar). Throughout its existence, the band worked alongside various Niš-based musicians such as drummer Miloš Medić and keyboardist Peđa Avramović. The band’s name originates from Tribalia, an ancient Thracian region located in southern Serbia.
In 1987, Trivalia self-released their first EP titled We Always...'’, which featured lyrics drawing from themes of religion, mythology, and secret societies. Musically, the EP was influenced by post-punk and gothic rock bands including Joy Division and The Sisters of Mercy. This release was available exclusively on cassette—a format typical for most of their discography. Their live performances were notable for incorporating elements of performance art, complete with elaborate stage setups and visual effects.
Between 1988 and 1989, the band’s activities slowed down due to Stojiljković’s conscription into military service. After his return, they put out the EP Pravoslavia, which blended gothic rock, darkwave, industrial sounds, and Byzantine musical motifs. This recording employed a rhythm machine rather than live drums. Toward the end of 1989, Jovanović departed and was succeeded by Ivan Marković "Parsifal".
In 1990, Trivalia released the compilation Telo i duša through their independent label Black Rider—named after Tolkien’s Black Riders—and concurrently managed a fanzine and radio program sharing the same title. That year also saw the launch of a limited edition EP called Dat Rosa Mel Apibus, inspired by Rosicrucian philosophy. From this release, the track "Ruža i krst" gained moderate popularity, allowing the band to open for well-known regional groups such as Električni Orgazam. Around this period, Miloš Vukotić joined the lineup contributing guitar, vocals, and keyboards.
Their 1991 album Crna voda, produced by Dejan Glozić and distributed via Happy House records, explored darker lyrical themes influenced by The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail as well as a heavier sound inspired by The NeverEnding Story soundtrack. Guest guitarists Dejan Šišnjić and Goran Savić participated in the recording sessions; some tracks like "Ruža i krst" and "U sobi" were rerecorded for this album. Promotional video clips were created to support television broadcasts. Locally, their concerts included covers of bands such as The Ramones and Kraftwerk.
In 1992, Trivalia unveiled Headhunter, their first full-length album featuring exclusively English lyrics. Drawing inspiration from electronic body music pioneers like Skinny Puppy and Front 242, this album was released through DOM Records, operated by Predrag Cvetičanin of Dobri Isak fame. Following the release, guitarist Ivan Litovski became part of the group. They also issued a compilation entitled Body Collection, which contained new renditions of "Headhunter", a cover version of Kraftwerk’s "Das Model", alongside live recordings from a performance at M Pub. The band ultimately dissolved in early 1994.
Post-breakup activities
In 1996, the band’s live performance at the Niš Medical Faculty students' club on Halloween was captured and issued as the album Halloween Nights. That same year, Žikić released an album titled Instant God under the Trivalia moniker before stepping away from the music industry.
Miloš Vukotić went on to establish Ružne Religiozne Lutke (translated as Ugly Religious Dolls), which produced the album TV je mrtav (meaning TV Is Dead) in 1998.
Discography
Studio albums
- Crna voda (1991)
- The Headhunter (1992)
- Instant God (1996)
Live albums
- Halloween Nights (1996)
Extended plays
- We Always... (1987)
- Pravoslavia (1989)
- Dat Rosa Mel Apibus (1990)
Compilation albums
- Telo i duša (1990)
- Body Collection (1992)
External links
- Serbian rock music groups
- Serbian gothic rock groups
- Serbian post-punk music groups
- Serbian dark wave musical groups
- Serbian alternative rock groups
- Serbian industrial music groups
- Yugoslav gothic rock groups
- Electronic body music groups
- Performers of Byzantine music
- Musical groups from Niš
- Musical groups established in 1986
- Musical groups disestablished in 1994
- 1986 establishments in Yugoslavia