Zazerkalie (band)
| Company type | Music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Headquarters | Rostov-on-Don , USSR (now Russia) |
| Products | Post-punk music |
Zazerkalie (Russian: Зазеркалье) was a post-punk ensemble originating from Rostov-on-Don, USSR, established in 1987. They played a significant role in the rock movement of the Don region throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
History
The group was initiated in autumn 1987 by Boris Prodonenko, Anatoly Chebotarev, Nikolay Smirnov, and Alexander Skrynnikov. During their formative period, Zazerkalie became known for provocative live performances and stirred controversy within the Rostov music community.
After a contentious appearance at the 1988 Tagan-Rock festival held in Taganrog, the band severed ties with the Rostov rock club. Subsequently, they performed under multiple aliases including "Знамя и голубь мира," "Питсбург Пингвинс," and "Давка Даунов." At the 1989 Zakritaya Zona festival organized by the Rostov rock club, they took the stage as "NKVD" (Nezhniye Kamertoni Vashih Dush).
In 1989, Oleg Gaponov joined the lineup, having previously been part of Rostov’s "Пекин Роу-Роу." By mid-1992, Zazerkalie toured Tyumen alongside Nick Rock'n'Roll. Their most influential period extended from 1989 to 1993.
The band distinguished itself by fusing underground styles with an array of genres such as post-punk, synth-punk, industrial, synth-pop, and darkwave. This synthesis resulted in a unique sonic identity that merged punk elements with Russian chanson, heavily influenced by Skrynnikov’s vocal delivery.
In 1994, Oleg Gaponov and Ivan Trofimov established a regional chapter of the National Bolshevik Party in Rostov-on-Don.
January 2008 marked the debut of "Bright Light," an audio-visual theatrical work developed by Zazerkalie in collaboration with animator Yuri Bessmertny in Rostov-on-Don.
Vocalist Aleksandr Skrynnikov died in July 2013.
Discography
- 1991 — Солдатская совесть (Soldatskaya sovest)
- 1992 — Бугорки Безымянных Могил (Bugorky Bezymyannih Mogil)
- 1992 — Всё Золото Мира (Vse Zoloto Mira)
- 1993 — Jesus Christ Superstar
- 1993 — Crazy House Music
- 2005 — Власть Судьбы (Vlast Sudbi)
- 2006 — Весна Священная (Vesna Svyaschennaya)
- 2008 — Между мирами (Mezhdu mirami)